Why do people quilt? Why cut large pieces of fabric into smaller pieces and sew them back together? Quilting is both a craft and a hobby. Sewing the “pieces” together is exactly that, piecing. Quilting is combining the top, a middle layer (usually batting) and a backing, and sewing/tying the three layers together.
Quilting has been part of history for a very long time. There are museums all over the world. It’s not strictly an American pastime. It’s universal. If you go to any of the international quilt shows in Paducah, Ky., Santa Clara, Calif, Houston, Cincinnati or Long Beach, Calif., you will see quilts from numerous countries. Cotton isn’t the only fabric used for quilting. Virtually any fabric can be used in any color or shade. As with other media, quilting gives you a greater appreciation for color, design and nature. Blocks and patterns can be as simple or complicated as you choose.
Quilting initially began as a necessity and a means of using “still usable” materials. Elbows and cuffs of shirts might be worn out, but most of the rest of the shirt might still be used. Small pieces of fabric sewn together and layered with other fabric could mean a warm blanket. Flour and sugar sacks were often used.
Quilting has become more popular because of its diversity of colors, shapes, designs and materials. There is no age or sex requirement/limit. It can take as much or as little time as an individual desires. Work can be started, stopped and returned to at a person’s pleasure. It gives people a chance to express their ideas, likes and their personalities. It adds to the economy through jobs to supply fabric, dyes, designs, various quilting tools, books, retail outlets and television shows. Excuse the pun, but it’s also a common thread among a lot of people.
Since I’ve done woodworking, I’ve considered the similarities and differences between it and quilting. Both use patterns, specific tools, varied materials and develop skill with time and practice. Quilting seems to be much more forgiving. You can tear out stitches/”reverse stitch” if you make a mistake sewing. You can’t do that with wood and nails or screws without leaving major holes. You can re-cut fabric much easier than wood. Fabric is usually one thickness; wood can be any thickness and it has to match. Both produce beautiful results. There are several quilt blocks which make different designs depending on which way the blocks are turned. The Log Cabin block is a wonderful illustration of this. It’s amazing and interesting. An example of this and other blocks can be found at the websites listed below.
Quilts aren’t strictly for use on beds or on our laps. Art quilts or wall hangings are illustrations of our lives, celebrations, nature and pictures.
During the Civil War, quilts were used to provide messages to people using the underground railroad. Certain patterns indicated whether it was safe or if caution was needed.
In Victorian Times, Crazy quilts became popular and still are today.
Quilt guilds meetings are held once or twice a month to plan events, learn techniques, discuss various topics and work on projects.
Quilt shows are held everywhere. Cities, small towns and countries all plan them at regular times. They’re held in various locations such as convention centers, churches, empty storefronts and municipal buildings. There are usually numerous quilts of all sizes on display, along with tablerunners, vests, jackets, wall hangings, bed tops and antique pieces. Other activities are often included, such as bed-turnings, quilt raffles, and vendors selling everything from books, fabrics, patterns, to finished projects.
Quilting is often handed down from one generation to another, but that’s not always the case. I know one of my grandfather’s sisters quilted, but otherwise I don’t know of any other family members who did. I enjoy all the different aspects of quilting from fabrics to designs to actually cutting smaller pieces to sew them back into a larger one.