People have been quilting objects longer than history can establish. Quilts came to America from Europe, where it was considered an art form more than a practicality. Early quilters made padding for armor and rugs, historians say. It wasn't until much later that the bed coverings most people think of when they hear the word 'quilt' were made. Children and adults love to learn how to make a quilt.
The basic concept is not difficult to understand. A quilt is usually made of three layers: a top, a middle layer that adds weight and warmth, and a bottom layer. The layers are held together around the edges with binding but also need to be secured at points throughout the whole to keep the inner layer from shifting around, causing lumpiness and thin spots.
During the early days of settlement in America, women didn't have the time to make quilts. The first quilts were brought over from Europe by wealthy people. Later, slaves made them as part of their labor for their masters.
In the late 1800s, women began the 'piecing' of bed coverings, using scraps, feed sacks, or worn-out clothing for the tops. Patterns became popular as women had more leisure and became proud of their handiwork. Groups of women would come together in 'quilting bees', which were popular frontier social gatherings.
Patchwork quilts have tops made from small pieces of cloth sewn together in random designs or detailed patterns. A whole-cloth top is made of one or more large pieces of one color, stitched together and then decorated with the stitching itself. The stitching indents the layers and catches the light; white on white can be incredibly beautiful.
Today many people still make quilts by hand, although most have been seduced by the speed of machine quilting. People who work with a needle and thread enjoy the process and refuse to be hurried. The resulting masterpiece can become a family heirloom. Few people can tell the difference between handwork and machine stitching, anyway.
If a thick, warm covering is desired, stitching the layers together may be almost impossible. Tying is the method used for heavier quilts. Strong, heavy thread, yarn, or string is pulled through all three layers at regular points and knotted. This keeps the layers together and keeps the inner one from shifting; the effect can be very decorative. Buttons can be used instead of knots.
Anyone who wants to make a quilt can do it without instruction, but the best results are achieved by taking a class or working with an experienced quilter at first. There are thousands of sites online that give tips ranging from simple to esoteric. There are also instructional videos. Lots of people love this form of expression and are happy to share their knowledge.
The basic concept is not difficult to understand. A quilt is usually made of three layers: a top, a middle layer that adds weight and warmth, and a bottom layer. The layers are held together around the edges with binding but also need to be secured at points throughout the whole to keep the inner layer from shifting around, causing lumpiness and thin spots.
During the early days of settlement in America, women didn't have the time to make quilts. The first quilts were brought over from Europe by wealthy people. Later, slaves made them as part of their labor for their masters.
In the late 1800s, women began the 'piecing' of bed coverings, using scraps, feed sacks, or worn-out clothing for the tops. Patterns became popular as women had more leisure and became proud of their handiwork. Groups of women would come together in 'quilting bees', which were popular frontier social gatherings.
Patchwork quilts have tops made from small pieces of cloth sewn together in random designs or detailed patterns. A whole-cloth top is made of one or more large pieces of one color, stitched together and then decorated with the stitching itself. The stitching indents the layers and catches the light; white on white can be incredibly beautiful.
Today many people still make quilts by hand, although most have been seduced by the speed of machine quilting. People who work with a needle and thread enjoy the process and refuse to be hurried. The resulting masterpiece can become a family heirloom. Few people can tell the difference between handwork and machine stitching, anyway.
If a thick, warm covering is desired, stitching the layers together may be almost impossible. Tying is the method used for heavier quilts. Strong, heavy thread, yarn, or string is pulled through all three layers at regular points and knotted. This keeps the layers together and keeps the inner one from shifting; the effect can be very decorative. Buttons can be used instead of knots.
Anyone who wants to make a quilt can do it without instruction, but the best results are achieved by taking a class or working with an experienced quilter at first. There are thousands of sites online that give tips ranging from simple to esoteric. There are also instructional videos. Lots of people love this form of expression and are happy to share their knowledge.
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