Medieval Quilting – Fascinating History
Today’s quilter is often surprised when digging into the history of this craft to learn that it actually dates back to medieval times. While the traditional patchwork quilt is distinctively American, the actual process of quilting – the layering of fabric with padding in between – dates much further back. It’s been discovered that as early as the 15th century, certain articles such as pillows, clothing, bed covers and even armor coverings incorporated the process of quilting. Quilting of clothing obviously was for warmth, and the addition of decorative appliqué, made it more stylish. When piecing your quilt together, it’s fun realize the source of the concepts of your craft.
Medieval Quilting Techniques
When most people think about quilting, visions come to mind of frontier women sitting in log cabins sewing squares of cloth together to make quilts for their beds to keep them warm on cold winter nights. But to find the real history behind quilting you must search earlier times, since many articles of clothing shows signs of medieval quilting methods.
Quite simply, quilting is the sewing together of two separate pieces of cloth with padding placed in between. Although there are variable sewing techniques and variable materials with which to line the fabrics, medieval quilting proves there hasn’t been a lot of change throughout the centuries. Many garments were made of cloth of several layers in a quilt-like fashion, usually with raw cotton layered by silk. This gave the appearance of more flowing clothing and at the same time offered needed protection from the elements.
Linen was the fabric of choice when medieval quilting was used for coverings for armor. Typically, it was filled with cotton or wool since other materials might cause the fighter to overheat. Clothing created in the medieval quilting style was often used in pageantry as well as in court settings by the royalty.
Royalty Drawn To Quilted Fabric
During the 15th century, royalty was especially appreciative of quilting, and records show that queens and their maidens were allowed three quilted blankets as well as pillows. This medieval quilting helped them to stay warm in winter and comfortable throughout the rest of the year. Many archeological digs have uncovered the fact that medieval quilting was popular even throughout the dark ages.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, court rules required that visiting dignitaries were to be gifted with quilts or quilted afghans. And it was not unusual for returning ambassadors to find medieval quilting in among their baggage. Many historical artifacts testify to the types of stitches used at the time, many of which are in use today. These include the back stitch, running stitch and double running stitch.
During the 17th and 18th century in Europe, quilting became increasingly popular with quilted petticoats, bed linens, hats and even doll clothes being in vogue. During the 19th century, quilting came to be recognized as a true art form in the United States. Many decorative quilts often tell a story behind the makers of the quilt through the pattern or colors.
While many styles came into being once quilting arrived in American — especially that of patchwork — medieval quilting was actually the foundation for the art of layering fabrics together with padded filler in the middle.