Woman turns plastic bags into traditional embroidery | Fusion - WeRIndia

Despite bans on single-use plastic in 25 Indian states, a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that people continue to produce a staggering 34,69,780 tonnes of plastic, a number that is projected to double in the next five years.

In response to this urgent issue, 22-year-old Sara Lakhani from Gadchiroli has embarked on a mission to upcycle plastic by transforming it into intricate Kantha embroidery.

Sara’s latest collection, titled Trash or Treasure, made its debut at Lakme Fashion Week in 2022. Using over 200 polythene bags, she brought the collection to life with her innovative approach.

Raised in a small town in Maharashtra, Sara was always drawn to nature and its beauty.

However, she was also exposed to the harmful impact of plastic waste through her father’s practice of burning plastic waste while working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Driven by a clear vision, Sara was determined to create a clothing collection that used sustainable materials.

Experimenting with various embroidery techniques, she found that Kantha embroidery offered the most viable solution, as it could incorporate a significant amount of plastic.

Collaborating with skilled embroiderers, Sara spent countless hours perfecting each piece, which required delicate handwork and a minimum of 15 days of labour.

While researching ways to transform plastic into thread and yarn, Sara discovered that Kantha embroidery allowed for the highest utilization of plastic.

This ancient form of embroidery, originating in the Bengal region and later spreading to Tripura and Odisha, involves simple straight stitches forming complex geometric patterns on the fabric’s front and a running stitch on the back.

Typically, Kantha embroidery features designs such as leaves, birds, and lotus motifs.

Sara faced a major challenge during the process: the plastic thread was not initially strong enough to hold the intricate stitches together.

However, she discovered that cutting wider strips of plastic and converting them into threads helped improve the stitch’s durability.

As a representative of her generation, Sara recognizes the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of human activities.

Her goal is to continue exploring innovative ways to make clothing in India more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Sara Lakhani’s efforts to repurpose plastic waste through the art of Kantha embroidery not only showcase her creativity but also serve as a powerful reminder of the pressing need to address plastic pollution.

With her unique vision and commitment to sustainability, she is making a meaningful contribution towards a greener future.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/557974