Sujni is one of the most beloved traditional arts and crafts of Bihar. This conventional quilt, originating from the rural areas of the state, derives its name from ‘Su’ meaning easy or facilitating and ‘Jani’ meaning birth. During childbirth, patches of variously colored cloth from old saris and dhotis are sewn together with a simple running stitch to create a Sujni quilt. The use of old cloth has a specific purpose: to wrap the newborn in a soft, comforting embrace reminiscent of its mother. Three or four layers of saris or dhotis are placed on top of one another and quilted with threads taken from the used garments. The motifs are filled in with a simple running stitch, while their outlines are usually completed with a dark chain stitch. These quilts, crafted with the simplest of stitches and readily available fabrics—often well-worn—are typically made by women in their free time at home.
