What is a Boutis? Although this word does not exist in any French dictionary, the south of France dialect gives us two definitions of the word Boutis:
- Two pieces of fabric sewn together by ‘Broderie emboutie” following a method derived from the ‘Pique de cotton” whose motifs represent the culture of Provence.
- An age-old technique of intricate hand stitched needlework to create quilted pattern and texture.
Created in the South of France, the Boutis technique was originally used to make wedding gifts for the bride and intricately embroided with symbolic motifs. It became along the years a very popular coverlet that was then made in all sizes in plain colors or using the beautiful patterns imported in France from India through the “silk Road” exchanges.
At the same time, was imported another quilting technique called the “piqué de cotton”, a less embroidered coverlet that the French South culture adopted from India.
Along centuries, India and specifically areas around New-Delhi became the world network of Boutis or Piqué production mainly because of the work resources and qualifications required to produce such quantities.
Back in the 17th and the 18th Century, India was already the main manufacturer of fabric. Shipped in the south of France province country, the fabric was then embroidered and hand sewn, making it a Boutis.
Due to its expertise, quality choice of cottons, pigments and economic constraints (our coverlets are hand sewn) India still plays a major role in the production of our beloved creations.
We assure our customers that we accept no compromise when it comes to safe and fair work conditions in the choice of contractors working with our factory.
We impose strict quality controls (14) with our workshop; every item is washed several times and checked one by one before shipping.
We also send each and every fabric printed sample to Textile and Analytical Laboratory to verify the quality and resistance to the washing process of the prints and cigarette testing.
We are proud to consider each of our piece as a unique and dedicated piece of art made to share your daily life with the same expectations as yours can be.
Elsa C Team.