Rooted in heritage, spun for today: Charkha & Loom is the creative venture of Sweta Pandey, a development economist turned textile entrepreneur. Born and raised in India, Sweta now brings the warmth of handwoven Indian fabrics to Amsterdam-West, offering a modern wardrobe made with care and cultural depth.
The store presents a thoughtfully curated collection of plant-dyed woollens, airy dresses, and artisan-made homewares, with each piece crafted from natural fibres and rooted in centuries-old techniques. These aren’t just garments; they are living stories of the Himalayan Gaddi tribe, whose sheep provide mulesing-free wool, and of the 500+ women across the Himalayan valleys who clean, spin and dye the yarn by hand.
Collaborating closely with Kullvi Whims, a self-help collective, Charkha & Loom supports a crafts(wo)men-first model. Each item is a co-creation, shaped by the voices and skills of the artisans themselves — a deliberate move away from fast-paced trends.
By choosing limited runs (just 3 to 5 pieces per design), the brand experiments with customer feedback and avoids overproduction. Their block printing, knitting and other textile workshops in Amsterdam help reconnect people to the making process and the joy of slow fashion.
Sweta continues to operate from her home studio in Amsterdam’s Jordaan, occasionally hosting pop-ups with likeminded creatives. Her designs reflect both her love for India and her desire to bridge traditional craft with today’s aesthetics. Sweta doesn’t call herself a designer; she sees herself as a storyteller for the artisans she partners with.
Charkha & Loom is still evolving but is already making efforts towards more responsible production. For instance, they use undyed natural wool for black and greys and plant-based dyes like marigold, madder root, and wild Himalayan indigo for their vibrant colour palette.
