Patchwork fabrics are growing to be more popular these days specially with the introduction of TV shows concentrating on quilting. They have reached a large audience and have remained to inspire other people to see the art and fun of patchworking. Patchworks are used for quilts, curtains, pillow cases, wall hanging and other items. But did you know that they have a powerful history coming from the time of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt?
Quilting relics have been discovered in the excavated tombs of pharaohs dated around 3,400 BC. Settlers from Europe shared their quilting traditions to America. Around the world, people and countries have their own distinctive patchwork fabrics, from Amish to Hawaii to Pakistan and to Bangladesh. Patch work or piece work is an innovative way for people, usually women, to gather and sew together various fabrics and form a patchwork quilt. Smaller pieces of fabric materials are pieced together to create a bigger material at a lesser time. It also displays the numerous patchwork techniques by those involved in the whole procedure.
You will see different styles and patterns of patchworking in one piece of fabric. An example of patchwork fabric material usually originate from two processes namely quilting and patchwork. As explained earlier, patchworking is the putting together of bits and pieces of fabric materials to hew the surface of the quilt. After this comes a layer of filling which has a layer of fabric at the back and so creating a “sandwich” for quilting. The layers are then quilted together to secure the filling and provide a covering for embellishment for quilting stitches. These designs can differ to a great extent, ranging from the simplest pattern to the most complicated and intricate patterns.
Amish designs are remarkably simple with more emphasis on hues instead of complex patterns. Bangladeshi quilts or patchwork, also known as Kantha, have two or three cloths stuck together for depth and this is commonly made earlier than winter. Hawaiian patchworks, however, are whole cloths and not patchworks. The patterns are usually inspired by native Hawaiian animals and the most prevailing shade is red.
The long history of patchwork and quilts are examples of creativity and the representation of the various cultures throughout the world. As a matter of fact, patchworking has developed into an art form with a lot of artists and enthusiasts eager to disclose their creativity to the public. There is another kind of patchworking which has been used in these modern times. Known as water color quilts or art quilting, this is more like painting instead of the traditional way of patchworking. Patchworks have obtained their use as a background on pillow cases, walls and bedspreads, but more so as curtain fabrics. These supplement a perfect effect to your curtains and draperies.
