Sewing with the Women of Bhuj

Bhuj is one of Gujarat’s hidden gems. For 400 years it was the capital of the former princely state of Kutch and visiting today provides an authentic glimpse into the town’s rich history. Many traditional crafts and customs are still practiced here and Buhj has become famous for its fine crafts and opportunities for immersive experiences with skilled artisans, many of whom are happy to meet with visitors and share their knowledge.

Denise Hughes joined our Grand Quilting and Textile Adventure in November 2025. As a keen quilter, the sewing days she took part in while she was staying in Bhuj were a particular highlight.

“Spending a whole day with the village women - sitting on the floor, passing things back and forth, sharing lunch - was fascinating and a real cultural immersion that gave us an insight into the lives of the local women,” she says.  “We also learned a different approach to quilting. In the UK, quilting is very precise, but it was so much freer in India and that was very liberating. There were no ‘quilt police’ checking every seam, and yet everything was beautiful. I might carry that through to my own work.”

Discover our Grand Quilt & Textile Adventure 2026 & 2027 here