The history of quilting dates back to early civilizations. From the elegant quilt-wearing statues of ancient Egypt to the knights' use of quilts as additional protection under their armor in the Middle Ages, quilts have proven their worth as more than just a blanket – they have been a source of beauty, art, protection and decoration for cultures all over the world. In America, quilting was not only a productive pursuit, but also provided a sense of community among women throughout the country's settling and development.
Early Colonial Times
The practice of quilting was carried over from Europe by the early settlers. In the harsh winter months, warm quilts could mean the difference between life and death. Warmth was essential for preserving health, and limited fuel resources spurred women to constantly craft additional quilts for their families. Spinning fabric from scratch is a time-consuming task. To increase efficiency, women would salvage scraps of fine material imported from England. It was expensive to import new, high-quality textiles, so women kept all pieces of cloth from torn or worn-out clothes and sewed the blocks together to create what is known as the patchwork quilt.
Quilting Bees
During the 1700s and 1800s, quilting evolved from a singular goal-oriented pursuit to a community-wide social opportunity for women in settlements. All participants would gather at one home in the community and bring their quilting materials along. A frame would be set up in the communal room so a quilt could be stretched out and multiple quilters could worked on it at once. Girls as young as 5 would learn quilting techniques and patterns from the matriarch in their family or through attending a local quilting bee. Most women were expected to complete at least 12 quilts by the time they reached marrying age, starting their own family with a sufficient linen supply. Through communication with a group and exposure to new patterns and colors, women created quilts not for use in everyday life, but as a means of artistic expression and an indication of personal skill.
African-American Quilting
Even though African tradition dictated men were creators of most textiles and garments, slaves in the United States were forced to conform to traditions of European origin, with women as quilters. African-American slave women were not only responsible for creating quilts for the plantation master's family, but also their own. Some women sold their handiwork, earning extra money. African-American quilters incorporated large shapes and bright colors, reminiscent of Africa's weave patterns. Folklore from the 1800s indicates that their creations may have been used to send information and messages concerning the Underground Railroad and routes to freedom, though historians disagree on the existence of a "quilting code."
Quilts and World War
During World Wars I and II, quilts were crafted in abundance to be sent with traveling soldiers. They were also created in an effort to raise money for the war effort. People could pay a sum to have their name inscribed on a quilt, with the funds and the finished product transported to soldiers overseas.
Amish Quilting
In the late 1800s, Amish communities began replacing their plain bedcoverings with handcrafted quilts, originally considered an extravagance in their community. Amish quilts are known even today for their high-quality, fine stitching, with an experienced Amish quilter able to fit eight to ten stitches in one inch. The earliest Amish quilts were a reflection of their simplicity – plain colors and basic shapes made up the coverlet. Over time, creative patterns and a wider color palette have developed.
Since quilting was a major part of early American life and maintains continued practice among craftsmen and women of today, the history of quilting is layered and intricate, but not yet complete.
Source : articlesbase.com
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