Handwoven Heritage: Gandhi’s Khadi Legacy

There’s something deeply comforting about fabric that tells a story - the kind that carries the warmth of the hands that made it. Few textiles capture that spirit quite like Khadi, India’s hand-spun, handwoven fabric that has travelled from humble village looms to the wardrobes of women who appreciate authenticity and craft.

'The Khadi Initiative' is a socio-economic movement in India that originated with Mahatma Gandhi in 1918. It promotes self-sufficiency through the production of hand-spun and hand-woven cloth, known as khadi. Historically, it was a symbol of independence and a way to empower rural villagers and combat poverty by reducing reliance on foreign materials. 

That same spirit continues today. Across India, thousands of artisans - many of them women - spin and weave Khadi using skills passed down through generations. Their work sustains rural communities and keeps traditional craftsmanship alive. Each piece of Khadi is unique, shaped by time, patience, and human touch - no two are ever quite the same. 

At Tania Llewellyn Designs, we’re proud to honour that tradition through our pure wool Bandhani-dyed shawls and scarves, that we source from 'The Khadi Initiative'. Each piece carries its own rhythm and individuality — the wool soft yet full of texture, the dyeing delicate and intricate. They are designed to last, to be cherished, and to tell their story each time they’re worn.

See our pure wool bandhani scarves and shawls here.