Case Studies

Sharing regenerative textile practices

Khadi London has explored a number of diverse projects that include knowledge and skills sharing, regenerative textiles in education and direct partnerships with our textiles network.  Below are a few examples of our projects – please do get in touch if you’d like to find out more about working with us.

 

Regenerative Jeans: Sanja Stories

Khadi London is part of a collaboration to create truly regenerative jeans from the most sustainable materials (organic khadi denim), using heritage processes working with artisanal communities.  The jeans are designed to be attractive, comfortable, versatile and to last a long time.  Traceability and stories will be shared using their individual digital passport. Find out more and pre-order a pair at Sanjastories.com.

The collaborative partners are Khadi London, Where Does It Come From?, Mishika Crafts, Circular Earth and Claudia's Sample Studio as part of the Ecosystem Incubator.

Circular Khadi

Currently underway, this research project is a collaboration between Khadi London, Where Does It Come From?, Conserve India and Khamir Crafts. The project is funded by the British Council and UAL (University of the Arts London) as part of their New Landscapes programme.  Our research involves exploring ways of bringing circularity into heritage textile production using waste fabrics.  Our long term goal is to widen the project across fibres and geographies.

Hand-spinning Workshops

Khadi London's Asha Buch has taught heritage spinning using a charka to a range of groups from education, business, one to one and at events.  Her sessions not only cover the skills but she also shares values based reflections on khadi, lifestyle and heritage textiles.

Notable sessions have included actor Paul Bazely to prepare him for his role playing Mahatma Gandhi at the National Theatre's 'The Father and the Assassin' and Chelsea College, University of the Arts, London.

The Khadi Competition - Chelsea (UAL)

In 2020 and 2023 Khadi London worked with Chelsea College, part of University of the Arts London, to introduce hand crafted and heritage textiles into their BA and MA Textile courses.  Following an initial workshop, students submitted design ideas which were judged by a team from Khadi London and Chelsea.  Winning students then worked collaboratively with a range of Khadi London partners in India (Khamir Crafts, Mishika Crafts, Gramin Vikas Pratisthan, Gram Bharati Samiti, Hind Natural Dyes, Udyog Bharti) to transform their design ideas into reality. With grateful thanks to the Indian High Commission, London and the Gandhi Foundation who sponsored the first Khadi Competition.

Organic Face Coverings

When Covid19 led to lockdowns in 2020 there was a need for face coverings to reduce the risk of spread.  Khadi London and Where Does It Come From? collaborated to quickly design and produce 100% organic/regenerative cotton coverings, working with team members and Couchman Bespoke on production.  Initially stock fabric was used but as soon as feasible Indian partner Gram Sewa Mandel was brought on board, creating a value chain that used local regenerative cotton with the coverings being tailored in the co-operative workshop.  This project created work for many who were locked down as well as providing a much needed resource for the general public.

Beejkatha: A Journey for Change

Khadi London has supported Amit and Swapnaja Dalvi in their search for ways to work with the cotton farmers of Maharashtra in central India, a search that began about ten years ago when they were working as engineers in the oil industry. Swapnaja and Amit were active members of the Khadi London team when they moved to India, founded Beejkatha and lived for an extensive period in Kakaddara, a small tribal village in Wardha district. They worked and continue to work with the village community to explore what would work for transiting to regenerative cotton farming and generating income through value addition.

Khadi London has worked closely with Beejkatha for conceptualising and raising funds for pilot initiatives, providing business leads, and helping create a supportive network in India and globally.  

You may have seen a beautiful patchwork quilt created by a Beejkatha women's group at several of our events and exhibitions.

Supporting Ethical SMEs

Over the years Khadi London has worked with many ethical fashion brands to support their journey - from our early days providing fabrics to building transparent supply chains.  We've also assisted with arranging visits to our partners so that the team can get on the ground experience and build relationships with farmers, textile artisans and garment producers.  In many cases these relationships have evolved so that the brands and producers work together directly.

Student Projects

We welcome students who volunteer with Khadi London.  We've worked with Universities such as UCL (University College London) on projects such as website design, research and exploration into accreditation systems, video production, event management and support and more.