Definition of Quilts & Coverlets
Bedding comes in a variety of styles. Quilts and coverlets are two pieces of bedding that are made in different ways but are used similarly. Does this Spark an idea?
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What is a coverlet?
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A coverlet is traditionally a woven spread used on the top of the bedding. It can be big enough to hang down the sides of a bed or just cover the top of the mattress.
What are coverlets made of?
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Coverlets can be woven from wool, cotton, linen or silk.
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What is a quilt?
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A quilt is a fabric sandwich made up of a top, batting and backing held together with stitching through all three layers. The tops to quilts are often made from many pieces of fabric sewn together to form a design. Traditionally quilts are used as bedding but they are sometimes recognized as artwork.
What are quilts made of?
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Most quilts are made from cotton fabric. Quilts dating from the Colonial period were often made from wool. Modern quilt makers use almost any type of fabric when creating a quilt.
History of quilts and coverlets
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The term coverlet dates from the 14th century. They were first woven in Northern Europe. Quilted textiles date from the early Renaissance and were used as an undergarment with armor. It has since been adapted for use as bedding. Both items of bedding were brought to America during the Colonial period.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Renee
