Quilting was practiced in ancient Egyptian times and evidences have been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs. Quilting was a form of sewing various pieces of fabric to make a single item of clothing which later became objects of decoration. Sewing blocks of fabrics together to make quilts also called patchwork quilting developed later and became dominant during the middle of the 19th century. Quilting consisted of stitching of three layers of fabrics - the top of the quilt, the padding in the middle and the backing.

Types of Quilts

The first type of quilt is the "White Cloth Quilt" which is made out of a single piece of fabric. The three layers were quilted together. The colors that were used were solid and were of cotton or woolen fabrics. White quilts called "whitework" were also made. The first designs that were made were simple ones. Then there were some with motifs and flowers. Some were made by the Trapunto method by inserting extra stuffing into certain areas in the quilt to make it thicker.

The next type is the Broderie parse quilts which was applique work of motifs cut out from the printed fabrics. The other type of quilt is Medallion where a single piece of fabric or an applique would be sewn in the center. The borders were pieced together or appliqued.

Revolution in Quilt Making

The industrial revolution brought about the emergence of the textiles industry where women gave up weaving and spinning of fabrics as fabrics became easily available. Quilt making developed tremendously during this period. Now leftovers from old clothing were not the only materials that were used for quilt making. Then the style of block quilts came into being where an identical set of blocks or different patterns were used as blocks for quilting. The advent of sewing machines added momentum to the popularity of quilt making.

Quilts Made for Slaves and Soldiers

Quilts were first made to raise funds for freeing the slaves and supporting the Abolition movement. Then during the American Civil War these quilts were made specifically to keep the warring soldiers warm. During the late 19th century a new style of quilt making, known as the Crazy Quilt emerged where abstract shapes were sewn to make the quilts. Thus the name Crazy Quilt developed which became a rage.

Uses of Quilts

In the earlier centuries knights wore garments which were quilted underneath their armor to provide them with warmth and comfort. The Romans introduced the concept of quilted beddings in Europe where they used stuffed sacks as their mattresses. Later this idea was developed by the English who converted these stuffed sacks into a combination of mattress and covers. In the 15th century the Europeans used the quilts to take refuge from the deathly winters.