Kawandi slow stitching

Usefulbox invites makers to discover Kawandi — a joyful, improvisational quilting tradition from the Siddi community of South Asia, where scraps of fabric are layered, folded, and stitched by hand into richly textured quilts without rulers, templates, or cutting.

In this hands-on workshop led by Lorena, participants will learn the foundational techniques of Kawandi — building up layers of recycled fabric, turning raw edges as they go, and adding the characteristic decorative ‘topi’ stitches that give each quilt its personality. No two pieces are alike and no experience is necessary.

Kawandi is a tradition born from community — women stitching together, passing technique through touch and conversation rather than pattern. This workshop honours that spirit, bringing Sydney makers together to slow down, work with their hands, and leave with a small Kawandi piece and a new creative practice.