Our lives would not have the creature comforts and expressions of art we have now without the efforts made throughout history. People throughout history worked, traveled, and traded to make our current lives possible. One example of this that many people overlook is quilting. We use quilts to stay warm and decorate our homes now, but lots of historical work got us to this point. Keep reading to learn about the origins and history of quilting around the world to better appreciate the beautiful, comforting quilts we have today.
Ancient Origins in Africa and the East
People have been quilting since ancient times. The first evidence we have of quilting is a depiction of a pharaoh wearing a quilted garment in ancient Egypt. We have additional evidence of early quilts in other parts of northern Africa, as well as the Middle East and China.
The Turks from the Ottoman Empire spread quilting practices throughout many of these areas. They wore quilted fabric beneath their armor to stay warm during colder seasons and in cold climates. Quilting expanded into bed covers and other clothing as they discovered just how warm it kept the wearer.
Medieval Migration to Europe
Many Europeans were exposed to quilting while fighting the Turks during the Crusades. European soldiers brought quilting practices home with them to numerous countries, including Great Britain and Italy, and used quilted garments and blankets to stay warm, similar to the Turks.
As colonialization spread, the practice of quilting continued to expand. Quilting practices that were already established in eastern parts of the world, such as India, migrated with traders to Europe. This led to quilting expanding from a necessity to an art form as Europeans experimented with different stitches, patterns, and fabrics. While many still used quilts for practical purposes, wealthy families could afford to make or commission artistic quilts.
Settling in North America
Colonialization strengthened quilting in Europe and eventually brought the practice to North America. British settlers established colonies in what is now the US, and women brought quilting with them when they migrated to live in these colonies. At the time, quilting was considered a female chore and art form.
There is a long and impressive history of quilting in Canada as well. French settlers brought the practice to the northernmost parts of North America just as the British brought it to the more southern areas. At first, quilting was only a practical task performed when necessary. Supplies were scarce, so fabric and needles had to contribute to practical quilts, not decorative ones. As the colonies that are now the US expanded their cotton trade and industries began to develop across North America, quilting became easier, and women were able to create more decorative quilts. Many men did not start quilting in North America and elsewhere until the 1900s.
The origins and history of quilting take us around the world, from ancient Egypt to the colonies that became the home of one of the world’s biggest empires. Quilting has touched everyone, keeping us warm and comfortable and providing a creative outlet to anyone who wants to try the craft.
