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.

Quilting books are written and published with many different quilters in mind. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice quilter or an experienced quilter; you can look to quilting books to offer a plethora of information which you will need to successfully create your quilting project. You may open the book only to discover that it looks like an unknown language. But don’t be discouraged because this will help you to become familiar with some of the common quilting terms. You can also follow the technique being completed with step by step instructions. This makes it so much easier for you to get the gist of the techniques. Quilting books offer many various options and each one may follow a different theme or technique that is different than the others.

Locating Quilting Books

To find quality quilting books, you may want to conduct a web search.  Listed below are places that offer quilting books with a wide variety of subjects. Check out these particular websites and there’s a good chance you will find something you are interested in. Each of these sites is one of the best when it comes to offering only the quilting genre. Hopefully you will find the quilting books that will allow you to create that one-of-a-kind heirloom piece!

The best sites in which to find quilting books are:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com – Online bookstore.
Quilt Web – http://www.quiltweb.com – Online quilting with a great deal of quilting info.
Bay Window Quilt Shop – http://www.baywindowquiltshop.com – An actual shop in Perham, MN that provides online shopping for quilting supplies and books.
Kaffe Fassett Studio – http://www.kaffeefassett.com – Quilting designer website
Maggie Walker Design – http://www.maggiewalkerdesign.com -  Quilt designer and writer
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com – Online bookstore
EBay – http://www.ebay.com – Auction website offers new and used books.
Yahoo Auctions – http://www.yahoo.com – Online Chat and Auction site offering new and used books.

Invest the time that it takes to check out these sites to see if you can discover something in which you are specifically interested. The auction sites may offer a cheaper and more diverse choice of quilting books, and possibly vintage books as well. The designer sites may have a higher price tag than that of the regular stores because they feature the work of a well known artist.

Reading for Preparation

Quilting books can provide a multitude of information and instruction about quilting. You can become familiar with many of the terms that are involved with quilting as well as different techniques. The techniques that quilting books introduce are often presented complete with step-by-step picture instructions so you can learn how to complete each step before moving to the next. Quilting books also offer a wide variety of patterns and designs. You may also find quilting books authored by quilting design artists wherein they offer some of their latest designs!

If you love tradition and are looking for a new hobby, beginner quilting is quick and easy and very rewarding. No need to get fancy with the creative patterns. The best way is to start out small and go with the basics of beginner quilting. One easy way to begin is to start with two pieces of fabric. No cutting or piece sewing required. This is an easy way to introduce beginner quilting. Take two nice pieces of cloth fabric, lay the batting in between and sew them together. It’s simple to incorporate different techniques in this easy project. The more you experiment, the more advanced your skills will become. You will not remain a beginner quilting for long. In no time at all, you will easily be creating complex pieces.

The Easiest Pattern to Make

The very simplest pattern for beginner quilting is the quilt that requires two pieces of material. The following pattern takes you through the steps in creating your very first quilt. Follow these instructions and before you know it, you will be enjoying your own handmade quilt.
First, purchase two yards of fabric. You will need at least one yard of the same design in one whole piece. One piece is for the top and the other piece is for the bottom. You will also need a piece of batting that is the exact size as the fabric. Check to see that each piece is the same length and width. After selecting the fabric pieces, run them through the wash. This will allow for shrinkage so that both beginner quilting pieces will be even.

Now place the two pieces of fabric together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Place your batting on the bottom of the pile and start sewing on your beginner quilting project. You will need to sew a seam around all three complete sides, but only about ¾ of the last side. Any size of seam allowance will work, but just be sure it is the same around the whole beginner quilting piece. After you have finished the sewing, you will turn your pieces out and thru the hole. The batting will now be positioned within the two other pieces. Make sure that the stitches went through all of your fabric.

If corrections are needed, simply turn inside out again and stitch again, and turn it again. Once you have stitched the fabric correctly, close the hole on the fourth side. This can be completed by hand-stitching this hole closed. Once the stitching is all finished, you will want to iron the beginner quilting piece to be sure that the batting and fabric are flat and uniform. Trim off any extra fabric around to give a more finished look. Congratulations. You have just finished your first beginner quilting project.

How to Care for Your Quilt

Now that your beginner quilting project is complete, you will need to take proper care of it so it will last. It will be best to wash the quilt in warm water using a mild detergent. If the quilt material has colors that run, only wash it in cold water. While you can use a clothes dryer, it is best to set keep it on the low heat cycle or hang to dry. High heat may cause the batting to wad in the comforter and then it will be ruined. When the quilt is not in use, package it in a blanket bag so that moths and other environmental agents cannot ruin it.

Creating your first quilt is an exciting experience for you. With the right care, your beginner quilting project can last a lifetime!

If you have been newly introduced to the wonderful world of quilting, American patchwork squares will be the most logical place to begin. American patchwork quilting first started as a way for the womenfolk to gather together and socialize over the needles, thread and fabric that they used to create the lovely quilts that covered many a bed in the early days of this country. These get-togethers came to be called quilting bees. They served as a way for the older women in the group to advise the younger women by teaching them ways to care for their homes and families in addition to learning to sew. Quilting was brought to America by emigrants from old world countries such as Ireland and Germany. They brought their own cultures which in turn influenced such things as the American patchwork quilting of yesterday and today.

Quilting with American Patchwork

The secret to American patchwork and quilting is first and foremost in the accuracy of the cutting and stitching. This accuracy is more easily executed with a good selection of quilting tools that are available today — tools such as the rotary cutter and the different measuring tools that are available in quilting and craft stores. The pieces cut for American patchwork and quilting are cut from long strips that are cut with grain of the fabric. The pieces are then sewn together into squares; these squares are assembled into the finished quilt. The completed blocks can be created from sets of four, five, seven or even nine patch blocks. The number depends on the pattern being followed and the preferences of the person creating the quilt. One of the fun aspects to American patchwork and quilting is pulling together many women who will work together on one quilt. Each one will complete a block and then sew those blocks together.

This technique of joining in the efforts of a quilt making, helps to make American patchwork and quilting a continuing facet of this country’s history. It can also result in the creation of a special gift a newly married couple or a couple expecting an arrival of new baby. This team effort allows a many crafters to put their own signature on what is sure to be a prized and honored family heirloom for the fortunate recipient. The team can create the blocks to be identical in color and pattern, or the plan can allow each crafter to develop her own creation which will then fit into the finished quilt in terms of size and design. Once each person’s blocks are completed, it’s time to gather together to layer the final pieces and add the finishing stitches.

Various Patterns of American Patchwork Quilting

Many patterns of American patchwork and quilting are available. Perhaps one of the more well-known is the log cabin pattern. It has been said that this quilt square resembles the log cabins built by the early settlers in this country. This indeed makes it a true American patchwork and quilting tradition. Since it first began, the log cabin pattern has evolved into a wide variety of designs and colors, however, the overall design of the piece is indeed easily recognizable.

Quilting – Memories of a lifetime

The art of quilting can affect you more than you realize. The art of sewing these beautiful and unique quilts by hand has been passed down from generation to generation. Think of mothers and daughters and friends working together, fitting the pieces of fabric together to create that special wedding coverlet. This is the essence of quilting.  These family quilts have been passed down from one couple to the next to adorn the marriage bed for many decades. Imagine the warmth that this kind of tradition holds for the future. There are endless amazing stories that these old quilts could tell about quilting groups and the conversations that went on around it while it was being created.

Special Fabrics

Imagine with me if you will, a woman, a mother, carefully choosing and purchasing a certain fabric. The fabric, which has been sitting for quite a while now has no special purpose except for its beauty. This fabric is beautifully decorated with the most unique designs. She may not know what it is for but she does know that it is special. She stores it away for another time when the objective will be revealed. No one knows when or for what it will be used. Meanwhile it stays safely hidden until the perfect time.

One day while rummaging, she discovers the fabric once again.  It has been hidden for a long time. Now she has a special quilting project in mind. Her daughter is expecting a baby. This lovely fabric will transform itself thru the art of quilting into a beautiful coverlet for a little angel. Carefully she works on her quilting project. Finally, it is completed. It is constructed with the beautiful fabric that was chosen by her long ago for this special project. By quilting the baby’s coverlet, she is presenting an heirloom that will pass from one generation to the next. Her heart is as warm as the baby beneath the quilt. She has a quilt of her very own draped on her rocking chair. One that her mother completed quilting for her many years ago!

Making Hearts Glow

If you have been considering the art of quilting or possibly learning to quilt, don’t put it off. Not only can you make wonderful items for yourself, but quilting gives you the opportunity to touch someone else’s life in a special way. Quilting has passed the test of time to become a popular pastime today. Many beds in many homes are adorned with the quilts of past and present. Many people will pay hundreds of dollars for a quilt just to place it on a bed that will never get used. This is amazing. Think of the people whom you love who will actually snuggle under this wonderful quilt that you have created. Quilting truly is an art medium that ties the generations together.

When designing a quilt there are times when the quilter may want the border or the block to be continuous along all four sides, or two sides. To accomplish this she will want to use continuous quilting stencils to keep everything even and straight. No matter if it is for the edges of the blocks or the overall quilt, the use of continuous quilting stencils will make the work of the quilter easier.

Continuous quilting stencils are designed as a continuous line, eliminating the need to stop and start the thread in the quilt. Beginning at one end, continue stitching until you reach the end of the pattern. Pattern size will depend on the size of the quilt. The advantage is that you can use a pattern on every block, or every other block, to add variety to your design. Once block size has been decided upon, use the pattern allowing for the border, and then move ahead with the work on your quilt.

There are drawing continuous quilting stencils. With these you draw the pattern on the material and then sew along the pattern, or the tear-off types of patterns. If you secure the pattern in place with safety pins it will keep it from moving. This allows you to sew directly through the pattern paper into the cloth. Once it has been completed, just tear the paper off from the continuous quilting stencils and you are finished. The paper used should be like that found in traditional sewing patterns because it tears easily and will not leave unwanted pieces behind.

Continuous Quilting Stencils for Creating Blocks or Borders

To remain consistent throughout the creation of the quilt, quilters usually prefer to use the same technique throughout the project. If continuous line patterns are used in each block, then the quilter will want to use continuous line borders as well. Luckily, continuous quilting stencils are designed for blocks and borders, but many also include complementing designs that are perfect for the entire quilting project.

Using the right color thread on the quilt should be a high priority with continuous quilting stencils because there will not be many sections where the colors are broken. While each block can be a different color, make sure the color does not contrast too much. Using the identical color of thread on every block can be a little boring, but it is acceptable if it offers a pleasing contrast to the fabric.

When making a quilt using the same repeated pattern from side to side and top to bottom it’s called edge to edge quilting. This is because the same pattern runs from one edge to the other. Whether it consists of just one pattern or several, the repeated patterns sewn together creates the same effect over the entire quilt.

Edge to edge quilting is difficult to be sewn by hand, because the patterns are repeated. Hand sewing makes it difficult to exactly repeat them. Once the squares are made, sewing the individual blocks together by hand is fairly quick work. A word of caution: care must be taken when edge to edge quilting to make sure that all the patterns are placed facing the same direction and that their repetition follows the same spacing and order over the entire side of the quilt.

True edge to edge quilting will have the same repeated pattern on both sides. However, most quilters opt to leave the opposite side with a solid color cloth rather than use the pattern. That solid color may be a color that matches one of the shades on the edge to edge quilting side. Usually, the quilter will begin at one side and work it until the entire side is complete. From there she will work top to bottom, piecing the patterns together to form the finished product.

Balance Color and Thread throughout the Project

Since only two or three designs are used through the entire quilting process, edge to edge quilting offers an economy in the work. It also affords a more balanced thread count over the face of the quilt. In addition, it allows color contrasting of light and dark cloth and thread that patchwork quilts cannot duplicate.

Typically with edge to edge quilting only one color of thread will be used when sewing the blocks together. The quilter needs to determine how the thread should show. With two different patterns of material, color can be hidden in half the blocks and visible in the rest. Or a contrasting thread can be used as added decoration over the entire quilt.

When first deciding to make a quilt, give careful thought to the individual who will be receiving the quilt. Their age and their gender are two factors to take into consideration when trying to decide on patterns and styles. A young girl may not have the same taste as her mother, and you will want to make certain your gift if appreciated.

Today’s quilters have many more options of available tools than just sharp needles and waxed thread. Sewing machine manufacturers are now recognizing the demand for good sewing machines for quilting. There are several on the market that help to make quilting easier and more enjoyable. Not every machine is going to pass the test, especially among the enthusiasts who demand the best. However there are a few that have proven they can get the job done.

When quilters shop for a good sewing machine for quilting, the feeding mechanism is a top priority. Will it provide even feeds to insure precise piercing in the cloth? Stitch selection is also a concern since many quilters use a variety of styles of stitching as decorations within the quilt. Many quilters also enjoy free hand quilting. They want to be able to drop the feed dog for free movement of the cloth. That will be yet another mark of good sewing machines for quilting. Experienced quilters suggest setting a card table near the machine to help hold the abundance of fabric.

The length of the bar also helps to qualify good sewing machines for quilting. The more room there is between the motor and the needle the easier it is to work on a large quilt. Another determining factor of good sewing machines for quilting is most definitely the size and power of the motor. The typical sewing machine simply is not made for extended use and the long periods of stitching that quilting demands can overheat the motor, and it will burn out quickly. Anyone who attempts to adapt a standard sewing machine for quilting would be well advised to stop periodically to let the motor cool down.

The Importance of Quality Needles

Quilting while using a quality machine will certainly makes the project go faster. But even with good sewing machines for quilting, it’s only as good as the needles you invest in. Typically, a number 11 is suitable for most fabrics. For thicker material or thicker batting, a number 14 may be the order of the day. It is recommended that quilters begin each project with a fresh new needle. During the project if you notice the needle having trouble penetrating the fabric, quickly replace it with a new needle.

Many of the latest good sewing machines for quilting offer the option of quick changing for thread spools. Some even provide space for more than one color or type of thread. If you are free-form quilting on a machine using multiple colors, this particular feature will make good sewing machines for quilting much more valuable and useful to you.

It is often considered a genuine labor of love when someone takes the time to do hand quilting, sewing every pattern by hand and then connecting all the blocks together by hand. While it’s true that the finished quilt looks and feels much nicer than machine made quilts, still it requires a lot of work. Remember that when the quilter sews the quilt together, the thread must pass through all three layers: the pattern side, the batting and the backing.

When hand quilting, it is advisable to use 100% cotton quilting thread as it is coated with wax. This makes it easier to pass through all three layers and is stronger than normal sewing thread; therefore it’s less likely to break when pulled tight. The choice of color is up to the quilter and any color that coordinates with the material will suffice. Keep that fact in mind if the backing material is a contrasting color to the main colors on the face of the quilt.

When designing the pattern for the squares, it’s best to mark them first with a crayon or chalk. Just make sure that whatever you use can be removed easily, either by washing or erasing. Always draw the pattern on the cloth before putting it to thread.

Hide Quilting Knots in Batting

When you are ready to begin sewing your quilt together, arrange all three layers together. Start your needle about a half inch from where you want it to come through. Begin hand quilting by putting the needle through the batting layer only and then into the top layer and pull it tight. This technique will help to keep the knot hidden within the batting, not visible on the front or back creating a neat clean look.

Continue on one side of the quilt, running your needle through all three layers several times before pulling the thread tight. Once you have reached the end of the run, complete the section with the batting — again so the knot is hidden. Return to the same edge your hand quilting started on and then repeat the procedure through the second row and subsequent rows.

Regardless of the number of pieces of material you use to create your quilt, it is not truly a quilt until it is sewn together. For those truly interested in hand quilting it’s a good idea, if at all possible, to find a quilter who does hand quilting. Spend quality time with her, and witness the process from the beginning to end. Watching the process demonstrated may be more instructional than reading about it or being told.

For those who truly take pleasure in quilting for family and friends, as well as quilters thinking about opening their own business, there are a wide variety of home quilting machines that can get you started off on the right foot. With fabric bars of up to 10 feet and capable of holding a king-size quilt, most home quilting machines can disassemble for portability and easy storage.

Foremost on the list of features quilters look for when considering buying home quilting machines is the ability to change heads and arm lengths. Being able to vary the lengths from six inches to seventeen inches can be a valuable feature when making quilts of various sizes. Additionally, the ease of changing the heads and how well they move over the fabric is equally important.

Free-standing quilting frames are usually designed so that the cloth remains stationary while the sewing head is maneuvered by the quilter. This makes tracing around intricate designs much easier to accomplish and brings about professional results from even novice quilters. As with many types of home quilting machines, the more often you use it, the more adept you will become.

Portable for Storage

Having the option to take the machine down to a smaller size for storage is a big plus for all home quilting machines. Many quilters do not have the space in their home to leave it set up all the time. Unlike the table-top home quilting machines that can stand up in a corner, many of the free-standing units disassemble except for the length of the fabric rollers. Many quilters just opt to remove the leg and leave the rollers attached to the top. This makes reassembly much quicker.

The amount of quilting you do will help you decide if a home quilting machine is what you need. For the occasional use, a sewing machine designed for quilting is probably sufficient. Many home quilting machines are capable of turning out two or three quilts per week. However, if you plan on starting a business, you would probably want a home quilting machines that can turn out five or six per week.

Calculating the cost of materials and notions, it would be estimated that a business must sell about 125 to 130 quilts per week to break even. As with most endeavors, if you are not making money doing it, then it is considered a hobby. While home quilting machines will save you time and effort, if it will not be used on a regular basis, you may not need it.