--- title: "Improv Quilts and Patchwork Art: Sustainable Heritage Decor" description: "Discover one-of-a-kind improv quilts and patchwork runners crafted from salvaged heritage textiles. I blend antique Kutch embroidery and vintage silk to create sustainable, story-filled art for your home." canonical: https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/improv-quilts-patchwork-stories last_updated: 2026-02-10 --- # Improv Quilts and Patchwork Textile Art Tribe Verified · Handcrafted from salvaged heritage textiles By [Chandan Dubey](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) · Visit studio in Worli, Mumbai; Ships across India · ₹3,200 Per Cushion Cover (estimate) Part of [Custom & Handcrafted Textile Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/gallery) Every scrap has a story. I turn studio offcuts, vintage Kutch embroidery, and heritage textiles into unique, one-of-a-kind quilts and runners. ## Photos and videos - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/541a7242-75c0-4921-ae9e-50060980d5d2) - ![The scrap quilt styled with coordinating cushions, showing how it can be the centerpiece of a warm and eclectic living room.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e6d91ea7-cb99-4fc5-9326-92e7df3a36ee) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d52c1dac-44ef-45d8-965a-b8bb5e742209) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f86ac79-8fcf-46ba-a3e3-a5e8ddee9d0c) - ![A detailed shot of the quilt's texture, showing the combination of hand-stitching, appliqué, and the rich surfaces of the various scrap fabrics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d709ae7-3fbe-4f2e-87a2-bd539223946d) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3f1146f-7d56-4b34-8cb0-b8ffa5e44307) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c19052b-5208-4de5-9f6a-54e8516b3c8e) - ![Another view of the improv quilt, showing its reversible side with a checkered pattern. The piece is finished with playful, fish-shaped tassels.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1b4c27c3-261a-464d-948b-d6a7d878751a) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6ae85772-2efb-4e8a-8232-b73d216568cb) - ![This shot highlights the fun, handmade tassels and the beautiful texture created by the patchwork and quilting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7739bb18-7fc6-4784-8efd-9dd94c1c20b3) - ![A 100% scrap throw in warm, autumnal colors, designed as a long runner. It's pieced together from the odds and ends of a hundred other projects, each scrap holding a memory.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/147465e2-79a1-4c3d-a17e-1fbf78ac79ee) - ![The autumn-colored scrap throw styled on a dining table. The piece is finished with machine stitching, hand stitching, and quirky appliqué details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/87382bd0-21da-47d7-9eb0-43c515ad624f) - ![A close-up of the scrap throw's tassels and the intricate patchwork. These one-of-a-kind pieces are time-consuming but are a true expression of my love for the process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9148cecd-7ce8-4082-9531-811e4bf42c2c) - ![Another view of the autumnal scrap throw, showcasing its rich, earthy palette and complex composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c5c3057e-9061-4560-9b22-067f54162fc8) - ![A runner created for a client, featuring a Kalamkari fabric with Kathakali mask images. The trim is a handcrafted patchwork made from precious scraps of tribal embroidery and mirror-work from my vintage stash.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db6c494f-60b8-4079-af67-1d16dd5ac16f) - ![A close-up of the intricate patchwork trim on the Kalamkari runner. These small bits of richly dyed and embroidered fabrics are too precious to throw away and find new life in pieces like this.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f73e6790-e496-44e8-8fab-b281b36811bc) - [Video: This video shows the process of creating the Kalamkari runner, from selecting the patchwork scraps to painting details on the fabric.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0dc34a84-4a34-4a58-80f6-9e3ec1edb5e2) - [Video: A glimpse of the various vintage embroidered patches I consider when creating a patchwork trim. Each one is a small piece of textile history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81143569-8fce-42f9-a07f-7e64ab1f51af) - [Video: A video tour of a bedroom featuring a vibrant pink bedspread and a colorful patchwork bed runner, showing how these pieces can transform a space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/90edc68f-17f5-468f-a761-429add47f63a) - ![An autumnal patchwork runner trimmed with vintage tribal embroidery from Kutch. The piece combines hand-spun Kala cotton with other scrap fabrics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa9fce10-13e3-42f7-ac5f-79f4f159161e) - ![The autumnal runner styled on a dining table with earthy pottery, showing how it can set the mood for a seasonal tablescape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e93928c2-a065-4748-81f7-c5a55a54af47) - ![Another patchwork runner in autumnal colors, this one trimmed with a beautiful vintage Soof embroidery border from Kutch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2b66702-02f5-444e-8b17-7bd95eed8b68) - ![A different view of the Soof embroidery-trimmed runner, highlighting the geometric patterns and vibrant colors of the patchwork.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46e6f8fd-8507-4c40-9391-e5fb0f22cc47) - ![A detail shot of a custom patchwork runner, showing the quirky, hand-painted cow trims and a mix of vintage Sindhi embroidery and Kalamkari fabric.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7632230-a53b-4cb5-8b3a-64d56f08d98c) - ![The full view of the patchwork runner with Sindhi embroidery, a vibrant piece made from strips of textured Kala cotton and Matka silk.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b5b5b26b-78e9-4777-acd7-2e846dceece1) - ![The runner is reversible, with one side featuring a bold Kalamkari goddess print. This adds versatility and another layer of storytelling to the piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30b004fb-d16a-4b67-9b91-abd9991a3615) - ![A custom-made runner that combines Kalamkari and Madhubani art forms. The body is raw silk, bordered with a patchwork of scrap fabrics and finished with bell trims.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d724399b-786a-491e-bec6-991cfe083af0) - ![A close-up of the runner, showing the hand-painted Madhubani peacock panel and the intricate border details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/745b3d25-9d14-4ac2-86fc-f7ae0f6c6fd2) - ![Another detail shot of the Madhubani panel, highlighting the vibrant colors and traditional folk art style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b69a10ae-e912-466f-a8fb-fe8a34ba087b) - ![The runner is reversible, with a classic red Kalamkari print on the back, offering two distinct looks in one piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33ea2b50-d642-4854-94ab-f1132cb099ff) - ![The full runner displayed against a vintage wooden jharokha, showcasing its length and artistry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62416f83-f46a-4815-a9d9-14b52604810f) - ![A work-in-progress shot of a runner being created from a scrap of an old, damaged Pichwai painting. This is the ultimate act of renewal, giving a forgotten piece a new purpose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/19c3c0c4-ba31-4c8e-89a4-176bad994c4e) - ![Another shot of the Pichwai scrap, ready to be transformed. The colors and details, even in their damaged state, are inspiring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8c7c5f3b-d5cb-405f-9996-ca06a69e6815) - [Video: A video showing the creation and final look of a handmade patchwork tablecloth, made by combining Kalamkari silk with solid silk fabrics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/24d183e0-06f1-4884-86e2-d4a6734c207f) ## 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. ## About 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. [See all of Chandan Dubey's services](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) ## More from Custom & Handcrafted Textile Decor by Chandan Dubey - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/featured) - [The Navagraha Series: Celestial Art Reimagined](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/the-navagraha-series-celestial-art-reimagined) - [The Devi Frames: Homage to the Divine Feminine](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/the-devi-frames-homage-to-the-divine-feminine) - [Framed Heirlooms: Restoring & Showcasing Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/framed-heirlooms-restoring-showcasing-art) - [Global-Tribal Runners & Throws](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/global-tribal-runners-throws) - [Festive Tablescapes](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/festive-tablescapes) - [A Glimpse into My Studio](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/a-glimpse-into-my-studio) - [The Collected Home](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor/the-collected-home) ## More services by Chandan Dubey - [Custom & Artisanal Apparel Design](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-artisanal-apparel-design) - [Custom Furniture Restoration & Upcycled Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor) ## Similar work from other experts - [Conscious Textiles: Handcrafted Natural Dyeing](https://mytribe.in/dyehome/handcrafted-sustainable-art-decor/conscious-textiles-the-art-of-natural-dyeing) by Dyehome · Handcrafted Sustainable Art & Decor · Ships across India - [Kantha Inspired Wallpaper: The Sundarban Series](https://mytribe.in/ankitaaryadesignstudio/indian-textile-inspired-wall-art/kantha-inspired-the-sundarban-series) by Ankita Arya · Indian Textile-Inspired Wall Art · Ships across India; Visit studio in Sector 54, Gurugram - [Woven Narratives: Textile & Fiber Art](https://mytribe.in/wari-watai-design-studio/art-installations-sculpture/woven-narratives-textile-fiber-art) by Wari Watai · Art Installations & Sculpture · Studio in Koramangala; Travels across Bengaluru & India - [Our Featured Quilt Creations and Memory Keepsakes](https://mytribe.in/quilting_by_tsala/custom-quilt-making/featured) by Tsala Studio · Custom Quilt Making · Ships across India; Visit studio in Langford Town, Bengaluru - [The Protagonist Series: Hand-Embroidered Animal Tapestries](https://mytribe.in/pragyajain.art/commissioned-fine-art/the-protagonist-series-painting-with-thread) by Pragya Jain · Commissioned Fine Art · Created in Bengaluru studio, ships across India and the US - [Hand-Illustrated Wearable Art Scarves](https://mytribe.in/artbeatsbykeerthana/artisan-accessories-home-decor/moving-canvases-scarves-pocket-squares) by Artbeats by Keerthana · Artisan Accessories & Home Decor · Based in Mumbai; Ships across India ## Book To book Chandan Dubey, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi!%20I%20love%20your%20improv%20quilt%20style.%20I%20have%20some%20vintage%20fabrics%20I'd%20like%20to%20incorporate%20into%20a%20custom%20piece%E2%80%94can%20we%20discuss%20this%3F)