Kantha Quilts (hand-stitched, layered cotton)
What it is (technique & quality): Traditionally made by layering old/new cotton cloth and quilting it with dense running stitches (“kantha”); valued for handwork, soft drape, and visible stitch texture. Eco-cred comes from upcycling origins and cotton substrates.
Where in India (clusters): West Bengal—especially Birbhum (Rampurhat blocks), Murshidabad, Nadia—recognized in state MSME cluster maps and craft-hub programs.
How it typically ships (HS mapping & markets): Most kantha “quilts/coverlets” are Articles of bedding (HS 9404); some lighter coverlets ship as Blankets & throws (HS 6301).
- India’s 2023 exports: HS 9404 = US$ ~535m (22% of HS 94 exports; US is top market) ; HS 6301 = US$ ~201m (US ~54%). Notes: Alternative dataset shows 6301 ≈ US$250m and 9404 ≈ US$622m (methodology differences).
Buyer quality notes: Even stitching (no snagging), washfast threads, azo-restricted dyes, needle spacing consistency. For kids’ items shipped to the US, accessible components must meet 100 ppm total lead (CPSIA). EU buyers look for REACH Annex XVII compliance (azo dyes, CMRs). Certifications (e.g., GOTS/OEKO-TEX) are widely accepted evidence.
Block-Printed Quilts (“Jaipuri Razai”) & Throws
What it is (technique & quality): Lightweight cotton-voile shells, hand-carded cotton fill, and hand block-printed covers (direct print & mud-resist dabu). Rajasthan’s clusters (Sanganer, Bagru, Barmer) are globally known; Bagru traditionally uses vegetable dyes; Sanganer famous for fine outlines and floral work.
Where in India (clusters): Jaipur–Sanganer & Bagru printing belts (Rajasthan) are documented by the Government’s Textile Committee and Handlooms publications.
How it typically ships (HS mapping & markets): Most “razai/quilts” = HS 9404 (stuffed bedding). Printed bed sheets/shams (if part of sets) can fall under HS 6302 (bed/toilet/kitchen linen).
Buyer quality notes: Check for crisp prints (register accuracy), colorfastness, needle-tuft integrity, uniform fill GSM, and restricted substances compliance (EU REACH azo restrictions; harmonized test methods). For US kids’ ranges, keep to CPSIA lead limits.
Ikat Throws (yarn-dyed, resist-patterned)
What it is (technique & quality): Pattern is created by resist-dyeing the yarns before weaving (gives the characteristic feathered edges). India’s standout strength includes double ikat mastery (Patan Patola, Gujarat) and large handloom capacities in cotton/silk-cotton suitable for throws and bedcovers
Where in India (clusters & GIs):
- Telangana: Pochampally Ikat (GI-registered) with Ministry-supported Handloom Park producing home textiles incl. bedspreads & quilts.
- Odisha: Sambalpuri/Orissa Ikat (GI) across Bargarh/Sonepur/Cuttack belts.
- Gujarat: Patan Patola (double ikat GI; global benchmark of precision).
How it typically ships (HS mapping & markets): Ikat throws are usually HS 6301; ikat quilts/bedspreads (stuffed/quilted) move under HS 9404; sheet sets under HS 6302.
- 2023 export anchors (India): 6301 ≈ US$201–250m (US top market); 9404 ≈ US$535–622m; 6302 ≈ US$1.79bn.
Buyer quality notes: Evaluate weave integrity (pattern alignment across selvedges), yarn fastness, and finish hand. For EU/UK, comply with REACH Annex XVII (CMRs/azo dyes); for US children’s throws, CPSIA lead thresholds apply.
Quick reference: HS codes & 2023 export values (India)
- HS 9404 (articles of bedding—quilts/comforters, stuffed): ~US$535m (Trendeconomy; US is #1). Alternative OEC read ~US$622m.
- HS 6301 (blankets & throws): ~US$201m (Trendeconomy) vs ~US$250m (OEC). US ≈ 50%+.
- HS 6302 (bed/table/kitchen linen; printed cotton bed linen relevant for coordinated sets): ~US$1.79bn; US ≈ 66%.
Why India for these three, in one line each
- Kantha: Hand-intensive stitch artistry + Bengal craft clusters that can handle low-MOQs and storytelling provenance.
- Block-Printed quilts: Rajasthan’s centuries-old block-printing ecosystems (Sanganer/Bagru) deliver crisp hand prints, natural-dye options, and lightweight “razai” construction at scale.
- Ikat throws: Depth of GI-backed weaving centers (Pochampally, Sambalpur, Patan) and capability up to double ikat for premium lines.
