ABOUT Thanapara Craft Ltd.
Crafted by Hand, Rooted in Purpose
From a small weaving initiative in Rajshahi, Thanapara Craft has grown into a fair-trade community creating meaningful handcrafted products through traditional skills, dignified work, responsible production, and generations of local craftsmanship.
WHO WE ARE
A fair-trade handloom society in Rajshahi
Thanapara Swallows is a fair-trade handloom and handicraft organisation based in Thanapara, Charghat, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. We work alongside around 200 rural women, providing fair and dignified employment through traditional craft.
Every piece is made by hand using weaving, dyeing, embroidery and tailoring, with natural and renewable materials and Azo-free, eco-friendly dyes.
As part of the fair-trade movement, our work is rooted in fair wages, safe working conditions, gender equality and long-term opportunity.
WEAVING
DYEING
EMBROIDERY
TAILORING
OUR JOURNEY
From loss to livelihood
A small weaving initiative begun in 1972 grew into a fair-trade community built on dignity, skill and self-reliance.
1971
A community changed forever
Thanapara lost around 100 men during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, leaving many families facing an uncertain future.
1972
A new beginning through weaving
The Swallows from Sweden helped start a weaving initiative, beginning with 13 widows learning skills that could support their families.
1997
A society takes shape
The initiative was formally registered as the Thanapara Swallows Development Society, strengthening its long-term work in craft and community development.
TODAY
Craft creating opportunity
Today, around 200 rural women are connected through weaving, dyeing, embroidery and tailoring, creating handcrafted products with dignity and purpose.
OUR CRAFTS
Four crafts, one shared purpose
From loom to finishing, each piece passes through skilled hands using traditional techniques refined over generations.
Weaving
Traditional handlooms transform carefully prepared yarn into distinctive fabrics with texture, strength and character.
Dyeing
Colour is applied with thoughtful processes, including Azo-free dyes chosen for responsible and lasting production.
Embroidery
Skilled hands add intricate motifs and finishing details that give every piece its individual character.
Tailoring
Handwoven fabrics are carefully cut, shaped and finished into practical products designed for everyday use.
FAIR TRADE & RESPONSIBILITY
Rooted in Fair Trade
Our work follows internationally recognised fair-trade principles centred on people, dignity and responsible production.
