This project brought together a community of stitchers to explore traditional kawandi-style quilting, rooted in the practices of the Siddi women (from African descent) of India. Over weekly gatherings at Square Edge Community Arts Centre during the winter months of 2025, participants learned, explored, and created collaboratively, culminating in this group exhibition of our kawandi-inspired quilts. As tutor, my hope was to nurture a creative space where knowledge, stories, and techniques flow freely. Using predominantly recycled textiles and the meditative rhythm of hand-stitching, we celebrated sustainability, cultural connection, community, and creativity – making not only quilts, but lasting bonds through the shared language of textile art.

Kawandi are hand-stitched quilts, constructed from the outside inward rather than from a pre-assembled top. They are built through the gradual layering of repurposed saris and fabric scraps. Simple running stitches using white thread hold these layers together, creating richly textured surfaces. Rooted in slow stitching, Kawandi differ from Western quilting traditions through their organic, accumulative method of making.

My gratitude goes to the Palmerston North City Council Creative Communities Scheme, Creative NZ, and Square Edge Community Arts for supporting this project.

Wouna le Roux