History of Handmade Quilts
The sewing technique called quilting refers to stitching together layers of fabric with padding of wool or down so that the stitching will keep the padding in place. Quilting was used in ancient times to make carpets and padded clothing. While quilting has been around for thousands of years, dating to ancient Egypt and China, the bedding known as a quilt is more recent.
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Early European Quilting
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Historians believe that quilting was brought to Europe by Crusaders in the 11th century, and it usually was used to make clothing worn under armor. Quilted garments were very popular in Europe throughout the Middle Ages. In later centuries, the technique was used to make bed coverings. One quilt from Italy made during the 14th century featured scenes from a popular ballad of the time. Many royal household inventories record quilts used by kings and queens. A large amount of these early quilts were made from silk and other fine fabrics and featured heavy embroidery.
American Colonial Quilting
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The United States has a rich history of quilting. English colonists took quilting with them to Colonial America, and their quilts were very much like the quilts of their European counterparts. Quilts were most often made to mark special occasions such as weddings or the birth of a baby. Usually, early American quilts were made from scraps of fabric left over from making clothing. Unfortunately, none of these quilts from the 17th century survive.
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19th Century American Quilting
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American quilting flourished in the 19th century as settlers moving west took their quilting techniques with them. These settlers developed many of the techniques and patterns that are still in use. Though 19th-century quilters still used fabric scraps, many took advantage of new machine-made fabrics that were available at the time and created quilts with repeating patterns or scenes. Quilts also were used for more than just bedspreads; they were used as window covers in winter, rugs or mats, baby blankets and, sometimes, barter currency. Quilting also provided a way for pioneer women to socialize during what was called “quilting bees.” Pioneer women would assemble a quilt, and then stretch it on a frame. Several women would then sit around the frame and each quilt a different section until it was finished.
Victorian Era Quilting
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Quilting remained a popular activity for women in Europe and America during the Victorian era. Many Victorian quilts feature intricate designs of flowers and hearts. Some quilts were made with white embroidery thread and white fabric in a technique known as whitework. Crazy quilts, made from irregular pieces of fine fabrics with heavy embroidery, were very popular during this period as well.
Exploration of Quilting
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Many books about both quilting techniques and history are available in libraries and stores. Some localities' museums have samples on display and/or information about quilting in the area.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit quilts image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com
