Creating Your Own Piece of Artwork

By Shawn Michaels

Creating patchwork quilts is a fun and practical craft that even the clumsiest person can enjoy. Quilting isnt just fun-- its part of a tradition that dates back as far as the first century BCE. Homemakers have long seen the value in saving scraps of old and leftover cloth for use in other projects. By stitching these scraps together, they created patchwork curtains, bedcovers, and even clothing. Patchwork quilting isnt just part of European history; in the United States, quilting bees were important social functions for pioneer women. By learning just a few easy stitches, you can become a part of this storied tradition.

Quilts are made from three sandwiched together layers of fabric. The bottom layer is called the backing. Its usually a single large piece of cotton, though it can also be made from sewing together smaller pieces of fabric. The middle layer is called batting. This comes in many types, and will determine how the finished quilt feels. Whether a quilt is thin and flat or thick and comfy is based on the type of batting. The quilt top covers the batting. A patchwork quilt top is made from dozens or hundreds of fabric scraps. They can be arranged in patterns that are intricate or simple-- the only limit is your imagination.

Creating a patchwork quilt top requires the stitching together of individual pieces of fabric. Beginners should stick to basic shapes for their patches, like rectangles, squares, and triangles. The pieces can be stitched together simply, or arranged in complicated patterns that turn a project from a basic quilt into a work of art.

When the patchwork top has been designed and finished, its time to put the whole quilt together. The backing can be placed right side down on any large, flat surface-- even the floor will do! Then the batting should be arranged on top of it. When the batting is in place, the patchwork top should be positioned over the batting. Using either pins or long running stitches, you can baste the quilt together. Once basted together, the quilt is ready to be stitched. The type of stitching used is important since it will both keep the batting from bunching up and give the quilt a distinctive look.

Whether youre a beginner or an expert with a needle and thread, creating a patchwork quilt is a great way to experience a creative part of history-- and to have some fun! - 30537

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