About Crazy Quilts

Crazy quilts are a conglomeration of fabrics combined at random. They are made by covering a foundation fabric, or "backing piece," with odd-shaped fabric scraps. These scraps usually include different types of fabric, such as cotton, silk, satin or velvet. These fabrics are often embellished with fancy stitches and embroidery.

History

Crazy quilting began in Colonial times, as a way to save money. In 1878, the first use of the word "crazy" to describe the combination of different materials in this way appeared. "The Cultivator and Country Gentleman" referred to a cushion embroidered by several different women at random as a "crazy" cushion. This style of patchwork peaked in the 1880s but continued up until the 1920s. Crazy quilting has experienced a resurgence of popularity in recent years among the old and young alike.

Function

Crazy quilts were originally created as a way to use every scrap of fabric available to the maker. Today, they are still used for this purpose or to use up extra fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. The crazy quilting technique is used to make quilts, clothing and craft projects. The modern "hippie" movement has made use of crazy quilting to create wearable art.

Types

There are two types of crazy quilts. In the first type, each piece of fabric is fitted together regardless of shape or size. This results in an irregular pattern similar to a jigsaw puzzle. In the second type of crazy quilt, the fabric is sewn together in squares. The quilt maker decides how many squares she needs and of what size, then cuts them from existing fabric and sews them together to make a quilt top.

Features

Crazy quilts are not quilted like regular quilts. There are no quilting stitches or batting used. There was originally no planning in shape, material or arrangement. However, in modern crazy quilts planning may be used to give the look of disorder. Crazy quilts feature antique fabrics such as velvets, silks, satins and brocades, but also modern fabrics such as cotton, dyed silks, rayons and polyesters. They may be embellished with items such as lace, pearls, jewelry, beads, embroidery and buttons.

Benefits

Crazy quilts are wonderful projects for using scraps of fabric that are otherwise unusable. They are also economical, as was their intended purpose. The use of found and inexpensive materials makes crazy quilts a frugal way to create coverlets. Not only are they practical and affordable, they are also valued as works of art. They are a reminder of our past and heritage. Crazy quilts are also a way to indulge in lavish stitching and creative fabrics and patterns that we might not otherwise employ.

Resources

• The History of Crazy Quilts