The Siddi Community and Their Heritage

The Siddi community, descendants of African slaves brought to India by Portuguese colonizers, has preserved their cultural identity through traditions like Kawandi quilting. This art form, passed down generations, reflects their resilience and creativity. Siddi quilters use vibrant fabric scraps and unique stitching techniques to create intricate designs. Kawandi quilts are not just functional items but also symbols of their heritage, blending African and Indian influences. The community’s history is woven into every stitch, making each quilt a testament to their enduring cultural legacy and artistic expression.

Kawandi as a Reflection of African-Indian Cultural Fusion

Kawandi quilting embodies the rich cultural fusion of African and Indian traditions. Originating from the Siddi community, it blends vibrant African patterns with Indian stitching techniques. The use of bright colors and improvisational designs reflects the African influence, while the intricate layering and straight-line stitching highlight Indian craftsmanship. This unique fusion creates quilts that are both visually striking and deeply symbolic. Each piece tells a story of cultural exchange and resilience, celebrating the unity of two diverse heritages. Kawandi quilts are not just art but a living testament to the blending of African and Indian identities.

Basic Supplies Needed

Fabric scraps, batting, thread, needles, and backing fabric are essential. Use vibrant scraps for tikeli pieces and sturdy thread for visible stitching to enhance the design.

Fabric Scraps and Batting

Fabric scraps, known as tikeli, are the heart of Kawandi quilting. Use vibrant, small pieces of fabric to create colorful designs. Batting, often made from fabric scraps or thin material, adds thickness. Choose scraps that complement each other in texture and color. The batting layer is placed between the backing fabric and the tikeli pieces. This technique encourages creativity and sustainability by repurposing leftover fabrics. The flexibility in fabric selection allows quilters to experiment with patterns and hues, making each quilt unique. Starting from the outside, the scraps are sewn onto the backing, creating a dynamic, layered design.

Thread and Needles

Choosing the right thread and needles is essential for Kawandi quilting. Use a heavy-duty needle for hand-stitching, as it can handle multiple fabric layers. Opt for contrasting thread colors to make stitches visible, adding a decorative element. Variegated or bold threads enhance the quilt’s aesthetic. A 12wt cotton thread is ideal for its durability and texture. The needle’s size should accommodate the thread without causing fabric distortion. Proper tools ensure smooth stitching and a professional finish, allowing the stitching to become a focal point of the design. This emphasizes the technique’s emphasis on visible, decorative stitching.

Backing Fabric and Other Materials

The backing fabric serves as the foundation of a Kawandi quilt. Use a sturdy, neutral-colored fabric like cotton to provide stability. Scrap fabrics or leftover materials work well for both the backing and batting. Batting can be a layer of fabric scraps, fleece, or even repurposed textiles like scarves. These layers are secured together using pins or temporary stitches. The backing fabric’s size determines the quilt’s dimensions, while the batting adds thickness and warmth. Ensuring the layers are evenly aligned is crucial for a smooth stitching process. This step sets the stage for attaching the colorful tikeli pieces that define the Kawandi style.

Preparing the Backing Fabric and Batting

Layer the backing fabric and batting, securing them with pins or temporary stitches. This step ensures a stable base for attaching the tikeli pieces creatively.

Layering Fabric and Batting

Begin by placing the backing fabric on a flat surface, followed by a layer of batting. This creates a stable foundation for the quilt. Use leftover fabric scraps or repurposed materials like scarves for the batting, ensuring it is evenly spread. The batting adds thickness and warmth to the quilt. Secure the layers with pins or temporary stitches to prevent shifting during the sewing process. This step is crucial for maintaining the quilt’s structure and ensuring even stitching. Proper layering sets the stage for attaching the colorful tikeli pieces creatively.

Securing the Layers

To ensure the fabric and batting stay in place, use pins or temporary hand-stitches. This prevents shifting while sewing. Fold edges under and sew in straight lines, starting from the outside. Use contrasting thread to make stitches visible. Secure each tikeli piece as you go, overlapping edges slightly. This step ensures the quilt remains flat and aligned. Proper securing is key for even stitching and a professional finish. Take care to keep layers smooth, avoiding wrinkles that could distort the design. This method allows for creativity while maintaining structural integrity.

Creating Tikeli Pieces

Tikeli pieces are small fabric scraps cut into squares or rectangles. They are sewn onto the backing fabric using straight stitches, creating a vibrant, improvisational design.

Cutting Fabric Scraps

Cutting fabric scraps is the first step in creating tikeli pieces for Kawandi quilting. Small squares or rectangles are typically used, though sizes can vary. The scraps are cut from leftover fabrics, emphasizing sustainability and creativity. There’s no strict measurement; the size depends on personal preference and the project’s scale. The goal is to have pieces that can be easily sewn onto the backing fabric. The scraps’ vibrant colors and patterns add visual interest, making the quilt eclectic and unique. This step encourages experimentation and resourcefulness, perfect for using up fabric remnants.

Arranging the Tikeli

Arranging the tikeli pieces is a creative process in Kawandi quilting. Small fabric scraps are placed on the backing fabric, often starting from the outside and working inward. The pieces are overlapped slightly as they are sewn, creating a layered, improvisational design. There’s no strict pattern; the arrangement is spontaneous and intuitive. Each tikeli is sewn with straight stitches, following the backing fabric’s edges. This method allows for flexibility and artistic expression, resulting in a vibrant, eclectic quilt. The process encourages experimentation, making each Kawandi quilt truly unique and reflective of the maker’s style.

Attaching Tikeli to Backing

Attaching tikeli involves sewing fabric pieces to the backing, starting from the outside. Fold edges, sew with visible stitches, and overlap pieces for a layered effect.

Starting from the Outside

Kawandi quilting begins by attaching tikeli pieces to the backing fabric, starting from the outer edge. Fold the edges of both the backing and tikeli under to hide raw edges, then sew them together using visible, straight stitches in a contrasting thread. This method ensures a clean finish and allows the stitches to become a decorative element. As you progress, overlap each new tikeli piece slightly with the previous one, folding edges as you go. This outward-in approach creates a seamless, layered design. The process is both meditative and creative, encouraging improvisation while building the quilt’s structure. Phula triangles are often added at the corners for a traditional finish.

Overlapping and Sewing

In Kawandi quilting, overlapping fabric pieces is a key technique. Each new tikeli piece is placed slightly over the previous one, ensuring edges align. Fold the edges under as you sew, using straight, visible stitches in a contrasting thread. This method creates a seamless, layered look. Overlapping allows for spontaneity and creativity, as pieces can be added improvisationally. The process is meditative, with each stitch building the quilt’s texture. By working from the outside in, you gradually fill the center, ensuring a balanced design. This approach minimizes waste and celebrates the beauty of fabric scraps, resulting in a unique, hand-stitched quilt.

Sewing Techniques

Kawandi quilting features straight-line stitching, visible threads, and overlapping fabric edges. Each stitch is deliberate, creating texture. Phula triangles are added at corners for a finished look.

Straight-Line Stitching

Straight-line stitching is a hallmark of Kawandi quilting, where stitches follow the square shape of the backing fabric. This technique differs from traditional quilting, as it starts from the outside and works inward. Each stitch is visible, adding texture and character to the quilt. The process involves sewing in straight lines, securing the layers together without outlining individual fabric pieces. This method creates a unique, improvisational design, allowing quilters to emphasize creativity. The use of contrasting thread colors enhances the stitching, making it a decorative element of the quilt. This approach simplifies the quilting process while producing striking results.

Handling Fabric Edges

In Kawandi quilting, fabric edges are managed by folding and tucking them under as you sew. This technique ensures raw edges are hidden, creating a clean finish. When attaching tikeli pieces, fold the edges of both the backing fabric and the tikeli under before sewing. This method prevents fraying and gives the quilt a polished look. Overlapping fabric pieces slightly allows for seamless integration without precise alignment. The process is forgiving, making it ideal for improvisational work. Properly handling edges is crucial for the quilt’s durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring a professional finish while maintaining the traditional charm of Kawandi quilting.

Adding Phula Triangles

Phula triangles are small, decorative elements added to the corners of a Kawandi quilt, symbolizing completion. These triangles serve no practical purpose but are essential for the quilt’s traditional finish. To attach them, cut small triangular shapes from fabric scraps and sew them to the corners using straight stitches. The triangles are typically brightly colored to stand out. They are sewn in place with visible stitches, adding a pop of color and texture. Phula triangles are a distinctive feature of Kawandi quilting, reflecting its African-Indian cultural heritage and adding a playful, finishing touch to the design.

Tips for Success

Embrace improvisation, use fabric scraps creatively, and balance colors. Start from the outside, ensuring pieces align. Add phula triangles for a traditional finish and visible stitching for charm.