Affectionately known as ‘the golden thread, we use this vegetable fibre to craft The Dharma Door rugs and runners; baskets and bowls; and the placemats and coasters in our tableware range.

Harvested twice per year, the raw jute is trimmed and then washed with boiling water to remove any insects, before being separated into sections for twisting, plaiting, weaving and stitching. Completely free of chemicals, the fibres are perfectly safe for our artisans to work with, and free of any unnecessary nasties. Natural products – pure and simple.

We admire the strength and versatility of this natural fibre, found in our much-loved hemp string bags, and crocheted scrubbers and washcloths that are soft enough for your skin! Long used by Bengali rope makers, our artisans twist, knot and crochet thousands of finely twisted fibres to make each piece.

Grown without chemicals, hemp is naturally resistant to pests, mould and ultraviolet light. These qualities, along with the beautiful texture, make it one of our favourite fibres to work with. 

The simple, enduring beauty of cotton is celebrated throughout our collection. Hand loomed cotton canvas is used for lining bags and baskets, and loom artisans combine cotton with jute to weave the fabric for our sturdy shoppers and totes. Luxurious organic cotton throws – handwoven in India – compliment the collection beautifully.

There are many steps involved in processing the cotton, including combing, washing, dyeing and hand-spinning. A high level of skill and attention to detail is required in preparing the warp and weft threads for weaving on wooden handlooms.

Our Desai throw is crafted from wool from local desert sheep, chosen for its rugged texture and warmth. These throws are just like the shawls used by nomadic Rabari tribes people, who wear them to stay warm during crisp, nocturnal desert crossings.

The epitome of slow, unhurried production, the fabric has been crafted by master weavers in the desert region of Kutch, India. Sheep are clipped; fibres are spun; and many hours of weaving undertaken; before the edges and tassels are finished to perfection.

Ever mindful of the damage and harm inflicted by leather tanneries, it has taken us a long time to source the right suppliers for some of the tags and handles of our woven products.

To achieve the perfect shade, we only ever use natural vegetable dyes. Every Dharma Door handle and product tag is stamped, sewn or stitched in a leather workshop in Bangladesh that employs men who – without this opportunity – would be disadvantaged in their community.