Improv Quilts and Patchwork Textile Art
Every scrap has a story. I turn studio offcuts, vintage Kutch embroidery, and heritage textiles into unique, one-of-a-kind quilts and runners.
This scrap quilt, seen here on a sofa, is a celebration of asymmetry and spontaneity. It features a mix of machine and Boro-style hand stitching, with a vintage Kutch embroidery patch anchoring the composition.
The scrap quilt styled with coordinating cushions, showing how it can be the centerpiece of a warm and eclectic living room.
A close-up of the quilt's corner, highlighting the playful, handmade fish charms made from fabric scraps. These quirky details add a touch of fun and personality.
Another view of the scrap quilt, showing how the different patches of fabric, from Ajrakh prints to simple checks, come together to form a cohesive whole.
A detailed shot of the quilt's texture, showing the combination of hand-stitching, appliqué, and the rich surfaces of the various scrap fabrics.
The vibrant colors of the scrap quilt bring warmth and energy to this living space. Each of these improv pieces is a time-consuming joy to create.
An improv quilt made entirely from scrap fabric and studio waste, seen here as a colorful bed runner. Creating a fully upcycled product like this brings me immense satisfaction.
Another view of the improv quilt, showing its reversible side with a checkered pattern. The piece is finished with playful, fish-shaped tassels.
A close-up of the vibrant patchwork on the improv quilt. The mix of silks, cottons, and prints creates a rich tapestry of color and texture.
This shot highlights the fun, handmade tassels and the beautiful texture created by the patchwork and quilting.
About Improv Quilts & Patchwork Stories
Because these pieces are made from studio offcuts and salvaged heritage textiles, no two are ever the same. When you commission an improv quilt or runner, you are not just picking a color palette; you are deciding which fragments—perhaps a patch of antique Banarasi silk or a piece of Kutch embroidery—will become the centerpiece of your story.
The art of the improv quilt lies in the spontaneity of the process. Inspired by the resourcefulness of Siddi Kawandi and the mending spirit of Japanese Boro, I stitch together scraps that are too precious to discard. A single runner might blend the intricate mirror-work of a vintage Kutch blouse with the rich, woven textures of Balinese Ikat or Banarasi brocade.
My process is slow and intentional. It begins with selecting the anchor pieces, often salvaged from my own vintage stash, and building the narrative around them. I combine machine piecing for structural integrity with Boro-style hand-stitching to add texture and depth. I finish many of these pieces with quirky, handmade touches—like fabric fish charms or cowrie shell tassels—that make them feel less like formal decor and more like collected artifacts.
Every quilt or runner is backed with heavy-duty cotton or premium linen to ensure it drapes beautifully and lasts for years. Because the materials are limited to what I have on hand or find, every commission is a unique collaboration. If you have old family textiles or specific colors you would like to incorporate, I can build a piece that integrates those personal mementos directly into the design.
Chandan Dubey
I see stories in scraps—tribal embroidery, old coins, and discarded fabric. My work is about giving these forgotten pieces a new life, stitching together memories into textiles you can live with.
Find the perfect textile story for your space
Search for specific styles, items, or textile origins.
More from Custom & Handcrafted Textile Decor by Chandan Dubey
More services by Chandan Dubey