Namda is a kind of mattress felted from wool. The art of felting was brought into
Jammu and Kashmir from Yarkand in Afghanistan. Low quality wool mixed with some quantity of cotton is used in the making of this mattress. Anantnag, Rainawari and Baramula are the main centers of manufacture.
Namda comes in two varieties namely plain and embroidered. Chain stitch embroidery using woolen and cotton thread is employed. Sometimes acrylic yarn is used instead of wool. The embroidery gives the mattress the necessary color, adornment and strength.
The price of a Namda depends on the quality of the wool, the designs and the size. Prices may also depend on the quantity of the wool used in the making.
