NordenBladet – Quilt making is a cherished tradition in Scandinavia that combines the elements of hygge, high quality craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature. This innovative art form showcases the region’s rich culture and design sensibilities. Making a quilt requires a lot of effort, but the result is undoubtedly worth it.
Scandinavians have embraced quilt making for several reasons. Firstly, quilts provide practicality and warmth, especially during the region’s cold winters. These high-quality creations are renowned for their ability to retain heat, making them ideal for cozying up on beds, sofas, or even enjoying outdoor activities. Quilts not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the overall ambiance of a space.
The cultural significance of quilt making cannot be overstated. It has become an integral part of the Scandinavian cultural heritage, passed down through generations. The tradition strengthens familial bonds and fosters a sense of identity. As individuals engage in the craft, they find joy in expressing their creativity and unique artistic visions. Combining different fabrics, patterns, and colors, quilt makers infuse their work with personal touches, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Quilting blocks are any units you sew together. To create your quilt, you assemble all your quilt blocks together to form a pattern or design. (Photos: 4x Elisheva & Shoshana)
Quilt making in Scandinavia is also closely intertwined with the region’s commitment to sustainability and eco-consciousness. By repurposing fabric remnants and old garments, quilt makers contribute to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable way of life. This environmentally-friendly approach aligns perfectly with the Scandinavian appreciation for nature and the desire to minimize their ecological footprint.
Photos: 2x Elisheva & Shoshana
The innovative design techniques employed in quilt making showcase the artisans’ skill and attention to detail. Each quilt is a testament to the dedication and patience of its creator. From meticulous fabric selection to precise cutting and sewing, the process demands time and effort. However, the result is a remarkable quilt that not only provides warmth but also serves as a work of art, celebrating the blend of tradition and modernity.
? HISTORY: Quilting originated in Sweden in the fifteenth century with heavily stitched and appliquéd quilts made for the very wealthy. These quilts, created from silk, wool, and felt, were intended to be both decorative and functional and were found in churches and in the homes of nobility. Imported cotton first appeared in Sweden in 1870, and began to appear in Swedish quilts soon after along with scraps of wool, silk, and linen. As the availability of cotton increased and its price went down, quilting became widespread among all classes of Swedish society. Wealthier quilters used wool batting while others used linen scraps, rags, or paper mixed with animal hair. In general, these quilts were simple and narrow, made by both men and women. The biggest influence on Swedish quilting in this time period is thought to have come from America as Swedish immigrants to the United States returned to their home country when conditions there improved.
The beloved tradition of quilt making in Scandinavia represents the essence of hygge, high quality craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature. This art form is rooted in cultural heritage, inspiring individuals to unleash their creativity and create meaningful heirlooms. The commitment to sustainability and innovative design techniques further enhance the appeal of quilt making. Undoubtedly, making a quilt requires a lot of effort, but the end result is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of the artisans, making it truly worthwhile.
Questions and answers:
Why is it called a quilt?
The word quilt comes from the Latin culcita meaning a stuffed sack, but it came into the English language from the French word cuilte.
Is quilt making an art?
Quilt art, sometimes known as art quilting, mixed media art quilts or fiber art quilts, is an art form that uses both modern and traditional quilting techniques to create art objects. Practitioners of quilt art create it based on their experiences, imagery, and ideas, rather than traditional patterns.
How hard is learning to quilt?
Quilting is a skill that is easy to learn, and there are many reasons why you should invest your time in it. Making your first quilt should not be as hard as it might look, as some quilts looks like a real puzzle to make or really hard to make, but if you make your first quilt with an easy pattern and in a small size, you will learn new sewing and quilting skills and soon you will be making your next quilt.
What is the easiest quilt to make?
One of the easiest quilts for a beginner to make is a simple patchwork quilt. A square patchwork quilt is made from fabric squares that are sewn together in a simple grid pattern. You can cut squares from your own fabrics, or start with a precut fabric bundle called a “charm pack” or “layer cake”.
Why use 100% cotton for quilting?
Cotton has a distinct texture and non-reflective matte finish that allows it to blend into the fabric better. It also carries zero stretch to the thread, which is ideal for quilts, as the thread won’t cause the quilt to pucker after it’s been used or washed. A thread that doesn’t stretch is also easier to sew with
What makes a good quilt?
Some quilts look good asymmetrical while others need the symmetry to be balanced and eye pleasing. Lines – a mixture of lines whether they are straight, curved, vertical, diagonal or horizontal that complement each other and create an eye pleasing effect.
Can you quilt with any fabric?
All that being said you can make quilts with any fabric. Bedsheets, pillow cases, denim, old clothes… The key to making your life easy when making your quilt is choosing cotton fabrics with the same weight. Using the right needle for the weight of the fabric and also a good quality cotton thread.
Is making a quilt expensive?
If you purchase all of your supplies brand new, you can expect your initial investment to be anywhere from $250 to $850. Once you have the basic supplies, making quilts will be as expensive as the cost of your fabric and batting.
Is patchwork the same as quilting?
Quilting is the process of stitching layers of a quilt (the top, batting, and backing) together. However, the quilt top is usually sewn together from a variety of fabrics, and that part of the process is called patchwork or piecing.
What is the hardest part of making a quilt?
In the beginning, the hardest part is getting the fabric cut properly so that it wouldn’t go all wonky while sewing. Take your time while cutting so that you can avoid having uneven pieces. It takes practice. Lots and lots of practice to perfect the skill of cutting.
What are the types of quilts?
There are four basic types of quilting, though there are all sorts of patterns that use more than one of these techniques. Our four basic types of quilts are: Pieced, Appliquéd, Paper Pieced, and English Paper Pieced.
Why is quilt so expensive?
Quilts are expensive because of the labor required to make them. Quilts require pieces of fabric to be evenly cut and sewn together to get the basic shape of a blanket. Then that piece must be sewn together with batting, backing, and binding to create a finished blanket.
What are the main quilt making steps?
Decide on your quilt pattern. If this is your first quilt, go for a simple pattern for a small quilt.
Collect your materials and tools.
Prewash your fabric.
Iron your fabric.
Measure and cut your patchwork.
Lay your quilt out.
Sew your patchwork into rows.
Iron your rows.
Bind the quilt
Enjoy Your Quilt!
Featured image: Children’s blanket made by Helena-Reet (Elisheva & Shoshana)