Similarities:
Both our silk blend kantha throws (above) and classic kantha throws are the same size: 3.25’ x 6.5’ feet (39” x 80” or 100cm x 200cm). They are both made from 6 layers of fabric, quilted together by hand. They feature the same kantha stitch: a straight running stitch that goes the length of the blanket, spaced about 1cm (pinky-width) apart.
Difference in fabric:
The difference between “silk blend” and our "classic kantha throw” is in the material/fabric used. Classic cotton kantha throws are made from… well, cotton! The raw material is vintage/recycled sari cloth — these are the everyday, cotton saris that many women wear in Bangladesh.
The silk blend throws are made from cloth that you might imagine when you think of a sari — the fancy, elegant, special-event sari that someone would wear for a special occasion or wedding.
Difference in washing:
Silk blend throws are recommended for dry cleaning and spot cleaning (whereas our classic, cotton throws can go in the washing machine).
“Silk blend” means that the fabric is a mix of silk along with other fibre content.
The reclaimed silk blend sari cloths have typically been discarded by the manufacturers because of minor flaws, colour variation, outdated patterns, or as remnants. Imagine a big factory that is producing huge reams of cloth, and these would be the bits that are leftover from large print runs.
Resellers collect these remnants from various factories and provide them to our production partner, Basha. The sellers say, of the fabric, "it's all silk!" So, it is unclear on a case-by-case basis what exact blend makes up each blanket.
Some of our silk blend kantha throws have a very silky, smooth feel. Almost slippery! Others are more stiff, perhaps because of embroidery or metallic thread. Some silk blends have a shimmer that changes the color from different angles. Each one is unique & stunning!
If you have questions about any specific blanket, please contact us to ask.
Who buys silk blend throws, and why, if they are more difficult to wash?? Well, it’s all a matter of personal taste, of course!
Our customer, Erin, received one as a comfort gift from her mom while she was in the difficult days post-chemo. She has, in turn, enjoyed sending them to friends who are struggling in one way or another. She says, “I have been blown away by the gorgeous selection of kantha blankets on your website. I'm partial to the silk blend myself as they just look sooo special.”
There is an elegance to the silk blend throws that simply reflects a different taste, style, & tone in decor, than the more casual, cotton throws.There are embellishments in metallic threads, special embroidery, even little jewels, that are more commonly features on silk blend throws.
Silks are less practical for households with children or pets, but many of our customers have found them perfect for their own bedroom or sitting room.
A sari (or saree) is a women’s garment, traditionally worn by women in South Asia / Indian subcontinent. It’s a long piece of fabric that is wrapped artfully (and practically) around a woman’s body, then draped over the shoulder.
The saris we use are over 14 feet (4m) long to start. Our blanket sizes have been determined by the sari sizes, to minimize cloth wastage. So, the length of a silk blend throw (or classic, cotton throw) is half the length (and same width) as a sari.
You will also notice that for most of our kantha throws, there is one end with a feature or pattern that is unique to the rest of the blanket. That is because each sari has a feature end — this is what would be draped as a stole over a woman’s shoulder for the wow factor!
