History of Patchwork Quilting
Patchwork quilting is an art form that dates back as far as the 16th century, if not earlier. The history of patchwork quilting varies a little in style and designs throughout history, but you can be sure it is just as much of a fine art today as it was hundreds of years ago. You might be interested in how patchwork quilting began and how it is done today.
About Patchwork Quilting
A basic quilt is constructed of a filling material placed in between top and bottom layers of fabric. Edges of the fabric are sewn and the surface is quilted or stitched holding the filling in place to prevent if from shifting.
Patchwork quilting takes basic quilting a step further. The quilter creates her own designs using skill and imagination or sometimes follows direction from others with exciting patchwork designs.
Many colorful designs are created by cutting small pieces of assorted fabric into a variety of shapes or sizes. These are all stitched together to form the top of the quilt, which is then attached to backing and batting, either by hand or sewing machine.
The Beginning of Quilting
Some records indicate quilting began with Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Quilting came about primarily out of necessity for staying warm. Quilted garments were often designed for soldiers as a way to pad themselves against armor and to provide additional warmth.
The early quilts came into play in Colonial America, where they were designed as whole cloth quilts. The fabric for making quilts was very expensive at the time and many of the wealthier ladies of leisure worked to create beautiful labor intensive quilts by hand.
At the time, people of lower class needed warm bedding, but could not afford the fine pieces of large fabric for making quilts. To stretch every dollar, scraps of fabric were saved from making clothing and eventually the beginning of patchwork quilts appeared.
Patchwork Quilting-19th Century
Quilting for American women began during the 19th century. Fabrics made from cotton were widely available and very affordable. Many prosperous women began patchwork quilting as a hobby or form of entertainment.
Yet, there were still families with little resources and money, who treasured their sewing scraps, to be able to make fine handmade patchwork quilts. Many of the most beautiful quilts ever made were constructed of dyed cloth to produce intricate designs and warm bedding.
Modern Patchwork Quilting
Many women today enjoy quilting, but they take advantage of the sewing machine to produce their patchwork quilts. It is a lot faster than hand stitching and stitching quality is improved.
However, plenty of women still enjoy making handmade patchwork quilts today. There are by far many more fabrics and colors from which to choose these days.
A number of industrious women often participate in quilting bees where they work as a group to produce large handmade patchwork quilts.