The stitch is the simplest one known to embroiderers ... the running stitch. In pattern darning, each row is completed in one continuous line from A to B. The return journey is the continuous line from C to D ... and so on, back and forth across the area to be covered. (See diagram)

Darning patterns can be horizontal, vertical and diagonal. Some patterns use combinations of these, but the stitching method remains the running stitch.

Pattern Darning is FUN! It's EASY! Try a sampler for yourself. Mount a piece of #18 canvas to a frame and try these charts. Maybe even paint sections of your canvas with acrylics or a Nepo marker for multi-color patterns. Use a variety of fibers and colors. And of course ... ENJOY!

Pattern I Pattern II

Pattern III Pattern IV

Pattern V Pattern VI

Pattern VII

Motifs

Motifs of the nakshi kantha are deeply influenced by religious belief and culture. Even though no specific strict symmetry is followed a finely embroidered naksi kantha will always have a focal point. Most kanthas will have a lotus as focal point, around the lotus there are undulating vines or floral motifs or shari border motifs. The motifs may include images of flower and leaves, birds and fish, animals, kithen forms even toilet articles.While most kantas have some initial pattern, no two naksi kantas are same. Traditionals motifs are repeated, the individualtouch in variety of stitches, colours and shapes. The notabale motifs found in naksi kantha are as follows:

Lotus motifLotus motif is the most common motif found in kanthas. This motif is associated with Hindu iconography and thus is also very popular in the kantha. Lotus is the devine seat, it is also symbolic of cosmic harmony and essential womanhood. Lotus is the symbol of eternal order, of the union earth water and sky. It represents the life giving power of water but is also associated with the sun for the opening and closing of the petals. It is also the symbol of recreating power of life. With the drying up of water the lotus dies and with the rain it springs to life again. Lotus is associated with purity and the goddess Laksmi, the goddess of good fortune and abundance. There are various forms of lotus motifs like eight-petalled astadal padma to the hundred petalled satadal. In the older kanthas the central motif is almost always a fully bloomed lotus seen from above.

The Solar MotifThe solar motif ic closely associated with the lotus motif. Often the lotus and the solar motifs are found together at in the centre of a nakshi kantha. The solar motif symbolizes the life giving power of the sun. The sun is associated with the fire which plays a significant part in Hindu rites, religious and matrimonial.

The Moon MotifThe moon motif has a religious influence and is popular amongst the Muslims. Mostly it is in the form of crescent accompanied by a star. The motif is particularly found in jainamaz kanthas.

The Wheel MotifThe wheel is a common symbol in Indian art, both Hindu and buddhist. It is the symbol of order and order. The wheel also represents the world. The wheel is a popular motif in kanthas even when the maker has forgotten the significance of the symbol. The motif is relatively easy to make with chatai phor.

The Swastika MotifSeals of Indus Valley, top right is SwastikaSu asti in Sanskrit means it is well. As a motif in Indian art it dates back to Indus Valley civilization. It is symbol of good fortune. It is also known as muchri or golok dhanda. With the passage of time the design is more curvilinear than the four armed swastika of the Mohenjodaro seal. The synmbolic design has significant influence in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The Tree of Life MotifContemporary Nakshi Kantha (used as a wall hanging) with animal, fish, butterfly, tree and human figure motif The influence of this motif in Indian Art and Culture (as with kantha) may be traced back to Indus Valley civilization. It is likely that the Indus people conceived the pipal as the Tree of Life...with the devata inside embodying the power of fecundity.[19] During the Buddhist times the cult of tree continued. Pipal is sacred to the Buddha because he received enlightenment under its shade. It reflects the fecundity of nature and is very popular in Bengal. Vines and Creepers play an important role in

kanthas and they contain the same symbolisation as that of tree of life. A popular motif in Rajshahi lohori is betel leaf.

The Kalka MotifClose view of Kalka motifThis is a latter day motif, dating from Mughal times.[20] Kalka or paisley motif originated in Persia and Kashmir and has become an integral image of the subcontinental decorative motif.[21] It can be compared with a stylized leaf,mango or flame. The kalka is an attractive motif and number of varieties are experimented. Similar motifs can be found in traditional kashmiri Shawls.

The Water Motif:The Mountain Motif:The Fish Motif:The Boat Motif:The Footprint Motif:The Rath[disambiguation needed] Motif:The Mosque Motif:The Panja or Open Palm Motif:Agricultural Implements:Animal Motifs:Toilet Articles:Kithen Implements:The Kantha Motif:The Palanquin Motif:

BordersBorders from the top:rice stalk, scorpion, pea, eye, wavy or bent, amuletFrom the top: shamuk taga, eye bordr, wrench border, miscellenious borders, wave border, diamond borderMost nakshi kanthas have some kind border either a sari border is stitched on or a border pattern is embridered around kantha. The common border found in kanthas are as follows:[22]From the top: necklace border, ladder border, gut taga, chik taga, nose ring border, fish border, panch taga, bisa taga, anaj tagaThe Paddy stalk or date branch (dhaner shish or khejur chari)The Scorpion border(Biche par in bangla)The Wavy or bent Border (Beki in bangla)The Diamond border (Barfi)The Eye border (chok par in bangla)The Amulet border (Taabiz par in bangla)The Necklace border (mala par in bangla)The Ladder Border (Moi taga)The Gut tagaThe Chick tagaThe nolok taga

The Fish border (Maach par in bangla)The panch tagaThe Bisa tagaThe Anaj tagaThe shamuk tagaThe wrench borderThe anchor (grafi par in bangla)The pen border (kalam par in bangla)

There are seven different types of kantha:Lep kanthaare rectangular wraps heavily padded to make warm coverlets.The entire piece would be stitched in wavy, rippled designs over which simpleembroidery was executed.

Sujani kanthaare rectangular pieces of cloth used as blankets or spreadson ceremonial occasions. Baiton kanthaare square wraps used for covering books and other valuables.They are elaborately patterned with borders of several rows of colorfuldesigns. Oaar kanthaare rectangular pillow covers in simple designs with adecorative border sewn around the edges. Archilata kanthaare small, rectangular covers for mirrors or toiletaccessories with wide, colorful borders in assorted motifs. Durjani/thaliaKantha are small rectangles with a central lotus design andembroidered borders. Three corners of the rectangle are folded inward toform a wallet. Rumal kanthaare used as absorbent wipes or plate coverings. They alsofeature a central lotus with ornamented borders

STITCHES:-

The basic run stitch done in a random way

The dorma or mat

A jaal or tesselletion

The simple run arranged evenly

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The golak dhaga or maze

Jhinge phool or flower of the ridge gourd(a vegetable)

Simple jhod or pairs

Dhaan chori or a stem of paddy

A jaal or tessellation