Info about Quilts
History of quilts
Quilts are a commonplace and have become a necessity more than a luxury. It is of special use especially in colder countries where the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. However, it is interesting to see why quilts were being made in the first place, leave alone its use in today’s world! The history of quilts is intriguing because not much evidence is available and thus the history of quilts has been quilted with the little information that is available to us!
The first quilts were apparently used by those in the army. They were worn as the first layer, the following layer being the shield and the armor. These quilts were the first of their kinds and thus made from rudimentary materials like threads and pieces of cloth. The actual reasons for the use of quilts by the soldiers is not clear; however, it is hypothesized that the early armor might have been crude and thus to protect the sharp edges of the armor from hurting the soldier while donning it might be the primary reason for wearing a quilt beneath the armor. The other reason could be that the soldiers might have to fight in lesser temperatures or in colder regions where the temperature might not only drop during the day but get even worse during the night. Thus, the quilts could keep them warm and supported. Also, in case they are hurt during the war, the soft material used in the quilt could probably absorb the blood and prevent infections and more bleeding. These reasons are all speculated- we do not know if they are really true or not.
While the Colonies came into existence, so did the need for making exotic quilts and the increase in the demands for ornate quilts. As the world became divided on the realms of power, the elite society wanted quilts that were not made from pieces of left over or unused cloth. Special sequins and fabric were woven and assembled to make a beautiful unique quilt that would be more to show off rather than to use it at home. Owning such a quilt was more of a matter of prestige rather than using it. Also, with the introduction of the concept of slavery, quilts were custom made and there was an unhealthy competition that set in – in Europe.
The science of quilting was unknown to the Americas until Europeans migrated to the Americas and the seeds of quilting were sown in the Americas. Then quilts were being made by leaps and bounds all over the world, specifically in the colder regions where it would be used more.
Now-a-days, the modern quilts are ornate as well as functional. They are stuffed with feathers that keep you warm but they are made with tough but beautiful fabric that stands out! Thus, the science of quilting is still evolving and few years down the line, there might be a new line of quilts that were never seen before in the market!