Quilt is a cloth bedcover. A quilt consists of two layers of cloth filled with an interlining of a soft, insulating material, such as cotton, down, or wool. The layers are fastened by tiny stitches that run in plain rows or in decorative designs. Many beautifully decorated quilts are considered outstanding examples of folk art.
The top layer of a quilt is often decorated with colorful geometric forms or pictures of animals, buildings, people, and plants. Designs may commemorate historic events or important family occasions. A quilt design can be created in several ways. In a pieced quilt, the top layer consists of many different pieces of cloth sewed together in a design. An appliqued quilt has cutout designs sewed onto one large piece of cloth (see Applique). Cord quilts and trapunto-stuffed quilts feature a raised design that is made by cotton cording or padding inserted between the top and bottom layers of cloth.
The technique of quilting originated in prehistoric times. Quilting in the United States began during colonial days, when immigrants began practicing the quilting skills they learned in Europe. Quilters frequently made quilts together at social gatherings that were called bees.
Colonial quilters mainly made pieced quilts from scraps of linen and wool they saved because cloth was scarce. During the 1800’s, a variety of cotton materials became readily available and quilting developed into an art form. During the mid-1800’s, album quilts became popular. Many album quilts bear verses, quotations, and the quilters’ signatures in needlework or ink. These quilts were often presented as gifts to a guest of honor at a quilting bee. Crazy quilts were popular in the late 1800’s. Most often, they consisted of randomly placed pieces of silk of various sizes, colors, and shapes. Traditional patterns were also used.
Today, quilting styles have been revived by needlework artists who often gather to exchange ideas and practice their craft. Quilters still use traditional patterns and techniques, but with a fresh approach that produces unusual designs.
