Tina Katwal and Varsha Sundararajan | Photo Courtesy: Sangeeta Rajan
The Square Inch, a quilting studio in Chennai, houses various art quilt pieces that depict vibrant imagery – from flying birds, lush tropical leaves to flowers. Each quilt square is in purple, yellow, red, blue and green, and tells a different story.
The quilt exhibition organized by the Quilt India Foundation (QIF) is a theme-based competition held annually in the city. This year, the theme is birds of paradise, with entries from 105 quilters from around the world. Each quilter has interpreted the theme in his or her own way.
“Each participant who registered was given a bundle of eight clothes, and was asked to interpret the theme in their own way. The only rule was that they had to use the provided fabric to cover at least 50% of the surface area of the quilt, and the dimensions should be 20×20 inches,” says Varsha Sundararajan, co-founder of QIF. That some presentations, despite being beautiful, had to be disqualified due to not following the rules.
Submissions for the competition Photo Courtesy: Sangeeta Rajan
Each class of quilt art uses different techniques like cross stitch, applique work, confetti quilting, bead work, lace details and even painting on fabric.
Art is a form of self-expression, and craft is a skill that focuses on utility and function. A quilt is spread at this intersection. “We’re focused on promoting quilting as an art, not just a craft,” says Tina Katwal, co-founder of QIF. She adds that the quilts she creates at The Square Inch Studio Teaches making and also does commission work.
In addition to themed quilts, the exhibit will also feature a series of quilt art pieces known as one-block wonders. “These are being shown in India for the first time, and it is a unique concept. We take a printed cloth, cut it and rearrange them in different kaleidoscopic patterns,” says Varsha.
Tina believes that quilting is attracting not only middle-aged and senior participants, but also young enthusiasts looking for creative outlets and a break from the screen. “It’s a mindful and meditative practice that more people are exploring as an artistic pursuit. This time, our youngest participant is in her 20s and our oldest is above 80,” she says.
One Block Surprise Quilt | Photo Courtesy: Sangeeta Rajan
This year, the judge will be Pat Archibald, a textile artist and tutor based in Edinburgh, Scotland and she will judge the top three entries, an honorable mention and a Judge’s Choice award. The Square Inch will also give away a special prize called The Royal Inchworm, which will be chosen by Tina.
Birds of Paradise, theme based quilts exhibition will be organized from 24th to 27th January at Sri Shankara Hall, TTK Road. The inauguration is on January 24 at 4 pm. Entry is free.
published – January 22, 2025 05:08 PM IST
