Patchwork fabrics are becoming more common these days particularly with the launch of TV shows concentrating on quilting. They have reached a large audience and have remained to inspire others to see the art and fun of patchworking. Patchworks are intended for curtains, quilts, pillow cases, wall hanging and other things. But did you know that they have a rich history existing from the time of the Pharaohs of olden Egypt?

Quilting relics have been discovered in the excavated tombs of pharaohs dated around 3,400 BC. Immigrants from Europe passed their quilting traditions to America. Around the world, people and countries have their own distinct patchwork fabric, from Amish to Hawaii to Pakistan and to Bangladesh. Patch work or piece work is a creative means for people, usually women, to gather and seam together various fabrics and form a patchwork quilt. Smaller portions of fabric materials are pieced together to form a larger fabric at a reduced time. It also shows the different patchwork techniques by those concerned in the complete procedure.

You will see various patterns and styles of patchworking in a single piece of fabric. A piece of patchwork fabric material usually comes for two processes namely patchwork and quilting. As explained earlier, patchworking is the piecing together of scraps of fabric materials to craft the top of the quilt. After this comes a layer of padding which has a layer of fabric at the back and so producing a “sandwich” for quilting. The layers are then quilted together to secure the padding and provide a surface for decoration for quilting stitches. These designs can vary extensively, from the simplest design to the most elaborate and intricate patterns.

Amish designs are stunningly simple with more emphasis on colors rather than complex motifs. Bangladeshi patchworks or quilts, also known as Kantha, have two or three cloths stuck together for thickness and this is usually made before winter. Hawaiian patchworks, on the other hand, are whole cloths and not patchworks. The designs are usually inspired by local Hawaiian animals and the most dominant color is red.

The long history of patchwork and quilts are illustrations of creativity and the representation of the various cultures throughout the world. In fact, patchworking has evolved into an art form with many artists and fanatics willing to disclose their creativeness to the public. There is one more kind of patchworking which has been used in these modern times. Recognized as art quilting or water color quilts, this is more similar to painting instead of the usual way of patchworking. Patchworks have found their use as a background on walls, pillow cases and bedspreads, but more so as curtain fabrics. These add a perfect touch to your curtains and draperies.