The History of Quilts and Patchwork Worldwide with Photographic Reproductions

By Shiela Betterton

This book contains a classic article on the subject of quilting, being an exploration of its history, popularity, development, traditions, and influence. this illustrated article is worthy of a place in any collection, and is not to be missed by those with an interest in the history of the textile industry. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on quilting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
• Release date: Apr 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781447489436

Book preview

THE HISTORY OF

QUILTS AND

PATCHWORK

WORLDWIDE WITH

PHOTOGRAPHIC

REPRODUCTIONS

BY

SHIELA BETTERTON

Copyright © 2011 Read Books Ltd.

This book is copyright and may not be

reproduced or copied in any way without

the express permission of the publisher in writing

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from

the British Library

Contents

Quilting and Patchwork - World-Wide Needle Arts

Bibliography

QUILTING AND PATCHWORK - WORLD-WIDE NEEDLE ARTS

By Shiela Betterton

It may come as a surprise to many to realise that quilting and patchwork have been known for such a long time, particularly as patchwork, or pieced work as it is often known, has come to be regarded as something peculiarly American. However, study and research have shown that these two forms of needlework are to be found in countries as far apart as Britain and Australia, India and North America, and there are few countries in the world where these crafts cannot be found in one form or another.

The true quilt is atextile sandwich, with a top layer, a bottom layer and a filling in the middle. Quilting is the pattern in running stitch which holds the three layers together and is the last process in the making of a quilt. A quilt top may be of whole cloth, pieced work or appliqué or a combination of them all. In Britain a quilter is one who quilts only, but in the United States of American the term quilter is used for those who make patchwork whether it is quilted or not.

In Britain