Quilting Kits Features

Quilting refers to stitching three layers of fabric together; the quilt top, batting in the center, and the backing. Patchwork quilts or pieced block quilts were not the major form of quilting kits until the middle of the 19th century. When you think about quilting bees, it is easy to picture women sitting in a circle sewing a new quilt for a bride to be or welcoming a birth.

The “Quilt Code” was a system of African symbols sewn into quilts by American slaves. These quilts were said to have hung in windows or from clotheslines to display secret messages to slaves whom were seeking freedom from slavery. Although, the quilt code story has not been authenticated, it shows how quilting has been intertwined in US history.

Underground Railroad Quilt Codes:

• Dresden Plate Quilt Block- look for the Dresden plate windows in Canada
• Monkey Wrench- Gather tools for the journey ahead
• Flying Geese - Head north
• Tumbling Blocks - Gather food, clothing, and anything useable as weapons
• Drunkard’s Path - Travel in a staggered path

Women during the Civil War era faced many hardships with the country in turmoil. Quilting was a common thread which bonded communities. Quilters shared their personal tragedies through quilt blocks that were seen as journal entries. Quilting squares were often used of fabric taken from old clothing of a husband or sweetheart who was away fighting in the war.

Medallion quilts are made around a central display. The center is sometimes a solid piece of fabric or appliquéd motif such as a Tree of Life, American eagle, or a large star pattern. The middle area is typically surrounded by several solid or pieced borders.

The Crazy Quilt design was the most popular quilting style in the last half of the 19th century. The handmade coverings of those days were smaller than usual bed sized quilts and made without batting. Crazy quilts were made of abstract shapes and usually the quilts were used as decorative throws. The maker typically sewed elaborate stitching along the seams and used embroidery for embellishment. Many times, embroidered flowers, birds, and sometimes a web and spider for good luck were added.

Features of quilting kits include reproduction fabrics which is a much sought after choice among quilters. Along with dazzling good looks future grandkids can inherit handmade quilts to hand down to their own children. Do not wait to get your hands on these awe inspiring quilting kits!