Patchwork quilting can be a very social and relaxing way to pass the hours, nurturing the creativity within and providing some calm moments from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. It also has quite a long and very interesting past which should be remembered honorably.
The art of Patchwork quilting dates back to times that were less prosperous where essential possessions could not be replaced as easily as they can today. Items including the family quilts were repaired time and time again, patched up with scraps of old fabric to make them last. The design eventually resembled what we would call a patchwork quilt rather than a solid piece of fabric. Although this form of sewing started through necessity, it has evolved into a higher form of art with beautiful and creative patterns, textures and fabrics. With the recent focus on the environment and saving money, recycling has become important to many households and quilting in its true form really can be all about recycling fabric.
There is also a strong family tie that is held close with a quilt, passed down from generation to generation. This also dates back to a time when the women would spend their days at social quilting gatherings while waiting for their husbands to return home. These quilts would also be taken by the husbands to the new frontiers which gave birth to the name comforter; a reminder of the family back home. In the past 30 years there has been a great resurgence in the popularity of patchwork quilting and many resources are available to help you choose the right fabric, pattern and theme for your creation. The public library, the internet and bookstores are a few places where your research can begin.
The quilts are constructed from three layers. The top contains the patchwork design, the middle is usually a layer of batting to add warmth and the bottom is a backing layer, usually coordinated with the quilts design. Quilting can be used to stitch the three layers together to hold the batting in place and prevent the fabrics from slipping.
Choosing a design for your patchwork quilt will be dependent on the quilts intended use. If the quilt is for a baby bassinette the size, design and fabric choices will be very different compared to a quilt that is going to be draped over the sofa as a decorative addition. Studying different types of quilts in a variety of resources will help you figure out what type of design would be most pleasing to you or the recipient. The internet has made pattern selection a breeze, with so many resources and examples available there should be no shortage of inspiration. It will help to understand the basics of patchwork quilt block construction before heading off to the fabric shop with a design. Learn as much as you can before heading off to begin your quilt. The extra time you spend will be reflected in the beauty of the quilt that you finally decide to create.
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