Pieces Of Quilting History

Quilting history can be traced back to 3400 BC. Clothing and bedding were quilted to keep bodies warm. If you think about it, layering fabric to stay warm is a good idea. All those years ago, there was not heaters and ski jackets (which are quilted themselves) to keep the cold out. Quilting history reflects that this craft that is so popular now for the beautiful bedding it produces was used for making items of necessity in the past. Not only is it useful, it is fun. Many different groups in history have used quilting for making wonderful items. We will be looking at some of those groups in quilting history.

Walking Memory Lane

To look at quilting history we will need to start at the beginning. Quilting dates back farther than once thought. It was only thought to have started with the colonists and as you can see, it goes back farther than that. Women would get together to quilt and this would be about the only time they would interact in some places. Here is more quilting history

3400 B.C. Egyptian statue has quilted mantle carved on it.
1600′s Colonists brought quilted cloth coverlets and garments to America
1700′s the wealthy had quilted pillows and other items in their home
Very popular craft among rich ladies
1800′s old quilts and heirlooms were showing up in Estate sales
1930′s cotton bags used for carrying other things were printed and used for fabric in the Depression.

Some of the quilts that were made were not exactly made with the same products as we use now. Some quilts were made with whole pieces of cloth instead of strips or small blocks. Batting was not used for the inside of the quilt. Instead of batting, old blankets that had worn out were used. To decipher between summer and winter quilts, you would have to see if that quilt had any batting at all. If it did not have batting, it was considered a summer one. Quilting history also shows that bedding was not the only thing created. Quilting was used in clothing, as well.

Be A Part Of History

As you can see, quilting history dates back farther than one might think. It has survived the ages of changing fads and designs. Over the years, the fabric designs might have changed but, the quilts have not. What makes quilting history so amazing is the fact that it does not change and is still one of the most popular pastimes for Americans.