With winter’s first chills settling over the northern districts, Lalmonirhat’s quilt makers are bustling with activities, as demand for quilts and mattresses soars.

Thick morning fog, cool evening breezes and the nightly dew signal the changing season, prompting residents to prepare for colder days ahead. As temperatures dip, workshops and markets in Lalmonirhat are buzzing with both artisans and eager buyers.

A stroll through the markets of the district’s five upazilas revealed shops adorned with vibrant fabrics and cotton, catering to a growing crowd. Some customers opt for ready-made quilts, while others place bespoke orders, leaving the workers fully absorbed in their stitching.

Situated along the Teesta River and bordering the northern frontier, Lalmonirhat experiences harsher winters than much of the country. This year, preparations began earlier than usual, prompting a rush in quilt and mattress production.

From dawn till dusk, shops remain alive with activity, as middle- and upper-middle-income families flock to purchase winter essentials.

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Rising costs are, however, casting a shadow over the seasonal bustle. Traders report that increasing prices of cotton, fabric, foam, and other materials have pushed up the cost of producing quilts and mattresses.

Currently, quilt fabric is selling for Tk 50–60 per yard, mattress fabric Tk 50–55, and jajim—a heavier mattress—Tk 160–190. Meanwhile, karpash cotton fetches Tk 180–200 per kilogram, poly-cotton Tk 120–130, wool Tk 55–60, and jute Tk 40–45 per kilogram.

Ready-made quilts are priced between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,600, mattresses from Tk 1,700 to Tk 3,500, jajims from Tk 3,500 to Tk 6,500, and pillows range from Tk 150 to Tk 400.

Belal Mia, a seasoned quilt maker at Shialkhowa Bazar, said, “I’ve been making quilts and mattresses for nearly 10 years. With another worker, I can finish seven to nine orders a day.”

Customers, too, are adjusting to the rising costs.

Samad Mia, a local resident, explained, “We heard this winter may be colder, so I’m making my quilt in advance. We are poor people—the price of a blanket is beyond our reach. So, we are making quilts at a relatively lower cost.”

Read more: Early winter chill grips Bangladesh’s northern districts

Md Hamidur Rahman said, “It may not feel cold during the day, but nights are getting chillier. A thin sheet is no longer enough. So I made two quilts for my family, which cost Tk 5,300.”

Salma Begum remarked, “Everything has become expensive—cotton, fabric, labour costs. Still, we have to make quilts; winter will get harsher ahead.”

Shopkeepers remain hopeful despite the challenges.

Jalal Uddin said, “Demand is rising as winter gets colder. Sales are not as high as before, but we expect business to pick up in the coming days.”

Md Safiqul Islam, owner of Maa Tula Store in Aditmari Bazar, said, “November to February is our busiest season. As the cold intensifies, orders for quilts and mattresses continue to increase.”

As winter casts its frosty spell across Lalmonirhat, the rhythmic hum of sewing machines and the vibrant display of fabrics offer a comforting promise: warmth and comfort for all who prepare in time.

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