Kowdhi quilting workshop with master artisans

Kowdhi is a hand-quilting tradition from Uttara Kannada, passed down through generations of women. A Kowdhi begins with seven layers of old sarees, dupattas and scraps stitched into a base; colourful pieces are then sewn on in concentric rows, from the outer edge in towards the centre.

Over two full days, master artisans of the Lyaavi-Kowdhi Collective, part of the BuDa Folklore family, show you how to join cloth with nothing but needle, thread and scrap fabric. Between stitches you hear the stories in the quilts: how the motifs hold the landscape, births, deaths and memories of the women who make them.

Kowdhi making has always been a meeting place, where women gather after a day's work to talk, help one another and share skills. The workshop keeps that spirit. Beginners and experienced quilters are equally welcome, and everyone goes home with a mini-quilt of their own.

Bring pieces of cloth that are special to you if you like; they can become part of your quilt. The artisans also bring a display of Kowdhi quilts, which are for sale.