jeudi 9 octobre 2014

How To Make A Quilt

By Jocelyn Davidson


People have been quilting objects longer than history can establish. Quilts came to America from Europe, where it was considered an art form more than a practicality. Early quilters made padding for armor and rugs, historians say. It wasn't until much later that the bed coverings most people think of when they hear the word 'quilt' were made. Children and adults love to learn how to make a quilt.

The basic concept is not difficult to understand. A quilt is usually made of three layers: a top, a middle layer that adds weight and warmth, and a bottom layer. The layers are held together around the edges with binding but also need to be secured at points throughout the whole to keep the inner layer from shifting around, causing lumpiness and thin spots.

During the early days of settlement in America, women didn't have the time to make quilts. The first quilts were brought over from Europe by wealthy people. Later, slaves made them as part of their labor for their masters.

The late 1800s saw a rise in this handicraft, which is practical and can be among the most beautiful of domestic arts. Women became proud of their skill, and social gatherings called quilting bees brought many together to work on communal projects. Many patterns became traditional, as mothers taught daughters the skill.

There are many different types of quilts. Some are made of small pieces of cloth; each individual piece is joined to others in what is called 'patchwork'. Others have tops of one or more large pieces, usually one color, that are joined together and then quilted. In this 'whole-cloth' method, the stitching is the decorative element. There are many beautiful designs in white-on-white. The stitching would be the same on both the top and bottom, making the spread reversible if carefully finished.

There are still many people who make quilts entirely by hand, loving the whole process and not worrying about how long it takes. Others have found that machine-quilting can look as attractive without such an extreme input of time and effort. In a finished project, it's hard to tell the difference. A fine homemade bed covering or wall hanging can become a family treasure.

If a thick, warm covering is desired, stitching the layers together may be almost impossible. Tying is the method used for heavier quilts. Strong, heavy thread, yarn, or string is pulled through all three layers at regular points and knotted. This keeps the layers together and keeps the inner one from shifting; the effect can be very decorative. Buttons can be used instead of knots.

Anyone who wants to make a quilt can do it without instruction, but the best results are achieved by taking a class or working with an experienced quilter at first. There are thousands of sites online that give tips ranging from simple to esoteric. There are also instructional videos. Lots of people love this form of expression and are happy to share their knowledge.




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