Meet the Kaarigars Behind Our Collections

Stories of artisans whose hands craft every piece

Behind every hand-embroidered fabric lies a story that is often unseen—the story of the kaarigars, the artisans whose skill and patience breathe life into each garment. In India, embroidery is not just decoration; it is heritage, livelihood, and identity. Yet, too often, the hands that create are left invisible while the products alone shine.

Generations of Skill

Many of the kaarigars who work on Kantha and other hand embroideries belong to families where the craft has been passed down for generations. A grandmother’s stitches become a mother’s livelihood, and then a daughter’s pathway to independence. The running stitch that defines Kantha is simple, but in the hands of these artisans, it becomes an art form—rows of tiny waves that ripple across cloth with rhythm and precision.

The Challenges They Face

While the beauty of their work is timeless, life for many artisans is marked by uncertainty. Reports suggest that more than 70% of traditional textile artisans in India earn less than ₹10,000 a month, often without regular orders or formal recognition. In Jharkhand and Bengal, where Kantha embroidery is concentrated, kaarigars from Adivasi and tribal communities frequently balance embroidery with agricultural labor to sustain their households. For them, embroidery is not just creative expression—it is survival.

Craft as Empowerment

Despite these struggles, kaarigars continue to stitch with pride. Every motif—a lotus, a bird, or a swirl—tells a story of resilience. Their work preserves culture, but it also creates dignity. Studies have shown that when women artisans earn steady income, household spending on education and nutrition increases significantly. In other words, the impact of each embroidered piece goes far beyond fashion—it uplifts entire families and communities.

Why Their Stories Matter

Meeting the kaarigars behind our collections reminds us that fashion is not only about trends, but about people. Each garment you see is months of effort, guided by steady hands and quiet determination. To celebrate their work is to honor centuries of heritage while also ensuring that future generations can continue to learn and thrive.

A Stitch That Connects Us All

The next time you run your fingers over the texture of Kantha embroidery, pause for a moment. Think of the artisan who sat for hours, carefully layering thread after thread to create that fabric. Their hands hold stories of patience, history, and hope. And by wearing their work, you carry a part of that story forward.