Patchwork quilting has a long and storied history. The craft developed from need and frugality-- because fabric was expensive, home-makers from as far back as the first century BCE pieced together old or leftover scraps of cloth to create everything from curtains and clothes to bed covers. In the United States, creating patchwork quilts was a vital social activity for pioneer women. Quilting is just as fun and easy today. This practical craft can be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to learn a few simple stitches.
Creating a patchwork quilt requires stitching together three layers of material. These layers-- the batting, the quilt top, and the backing-- form a sandwich of fabric. The batting goes in the middle. It is a filler material that determines how thick or thin the quilt will be. The backing is typically made from a single piece of fabric, though some quilters choose to make it from patchwork pieces. The quilt top is the topmost layer of the quilt. Its created by stitching together a large amount of fabric scraps.
To create the patchwork quilt top, you piece together patches of fabric. If you're a beginning quilter, you should use patches in basic shapes. Squares, rectangles, and triangles are the easiest to work with, and can be arranged in a variety of patterns. Most quilters use a grid system to map out their designs. The most commonly used are the four-patch block and the nine-patch block.
After finishing the patchwork top, the quilter should baste together the top, batting and backing. The backing should be placed right side down, with the batting on top of it. The patchwork quilt top is then carefully positioned to cover the batting. Quilters baste the pieces together with pins if the quilt is small, or with long running stitches if the quilt is large. Once the basting is complete, the quilt can be stitched together. Choose the type of stitch carefully-- it will contribute to the overall design of the quilt and keep the batting from shifting out of place.
Whether a person is curious about quilting history or just crafty, creating a patchwork quilt is a fun, interesting activity that even a beginner can enjoy. - 30408
Creating a patchwork quilt requires stitching together three layers of material. These layers-- the batting, the quilt top, and the backing-- form a sandwich of fabric. The batting goes in the middle. It is a filler material that determines how thick or thin the quilt will be. The backing is typically made from a single piece of fabric, though some quilters choose to make it from patchwork pieces. The quilt top is the topmost layer of the quilt. Its created by stitching together a large amount of fabric scraps.
To create the patchwork quilt top, you piece together patches of fabric. If you're a beginning quilter, you should use patches in basic shapes. Squares, rectangles, and triangles are the easiest to work with, and can be arranged in a variety of patterns. Most quilters use a grid system to map out their designs. The most commonly used are the four-patch block and the nine-patch block.
After finishing the patchwork top, the quilter should baste together the top, batting and backing. The backing should be placed right side down, with the batting on top of it. The patchwork quilt top is then carefully positioned to cover the batting. Quilters baste the pieces together with pins if the quilt is small, or with long running stitches if the quilt is large. Once the basting is complete, the quilt can be stitched together. Choose the type of stitch carefully-- it will contribute to the overall design of the quilt and keep the batting from shifting out of place.
Whether a person is curious about quilting history or just crafty, creating a patchwork quilt is a fun, interesting activity that even a beginner can enjoy. - 30408
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Patchwork Quilts, Patterns and Fabrics - Busy Thimbles Web Shop is the place where you can find astonishing patchwork patterns, patchwork fabrics plus battings and notions to finish off your quilt, visit their blog and even subscribe to the newsletter.
