The Art Of Quilting

We live in a day and age where fast and convenient is revered above all; time is a rare commodity and patience isn’t necessary. So, for most, the art of quilting is difficult to imagine. The level of skill, patience, and concentration required for quilting makes it seem as though it would be a dying art. But, in truth, quilting continues to endure as a time-honored tradition.

When layers of fabric are sewn together and filled with material, this is known as quilting. The two pieces of fabric form a pocket of sorts and the material inside – often cotton based – provides the warmth for which quilts are known. Examples of quilting can be found everywhere from blankets and decorative wall hangings, to fashion accessories and furniture coverings.

Quilting began as early as the 12th century when primitive civilizations used scraps of fabric to sew together for warmth. As quilting evolved, the method of pulling together available material into a cohesive design endured. Handmade quilts of the time were constructed with the use of needles, thread, and simple frames. Quilting only increased in popularity when it was introduced in America by early settlers. But when the sewing machine was introduced in the 20th century, the art of handmade quilting fell to the wayside temporarily.

Today, quilting is just as popular as it was initially, and is performed much like it ever was as quilters design pieces from a variety of different materials. The tools are essentially the same although their sophistication has been elevated – quilting needles, quilting thread, pins, and the like, are still used by crafting artisans. The advent of the quilting machine has increased the ease and convenience with which quilts are made and make for consistent and controlled stitches. Whether you use a quilting machine or prefer the handmade process, the result is the same if you are quilting with passion.

Quilting promises to maintain its long and time honored tradition in homes around the world as more and more people discover its timeless charm.