Quilting

Quilting is done by combining two or more layers of fabric together with a needle and thread. Those quilts made with two layers were called summer quilts and were used on cooler summer nights. Traditionally, three layers is used to make a quilt. The first layer is the quilt top, the middle layer is some form of padding such as batting and the third is the fabric used as a backing. In some cases, older quilts or older blankets were used as the middle layer as a way to extend the life of the older material.

In Colonial times in America, fabric was hard to get and quite expensive and only the wealthy women could afford to purchase the material for quilt making or had the leisure time to spend on making quilts. Quilting was a way for the well to do women to show off their fine stitching abilities and was often displayed as a wall hanging.

Making a quilt is fun and rewarding. It’s also something that can be handed down generation after generation becoming a heirloom. The first step is to take a little time to decide on what you would like your quilt to look like when it is finished. Most quilts are made out of cotton material because of its versatility. Cotton is not flammable and generally allergy free, making it a great material for all of your quilting needs.

When deciding on the color or main color of your quilt, keep in mind that colors such as red, yellow, orange and even purple (warmer colors) create a sense of movement and life. Cool colors, on the other hand, like blue, green, the various Earth tones and some purples are calming and will appear further away.