| A quilt is a type of bedding— a bed | | | | church districts limit the use of |
| covering composed of a quilt top, a | | | | certain colors such as yellow or red |
| layer of batting, and a layer of fabric | | | | because those are considered "too |
| for backing, generally combined using | | | | worldly". Black is a dominant color. |
| the technique of quilting. Another | | | | Although Amish quilts appear austere |
| technique for securing the quilt layers | | | | from a distance, the craftsmanship is |
| is tying. Tying refers to the technique | | | | often of the highest quality and the |
| of using thread, yarn or ribbon to pass | | | | stitching forms vigorous patterns that |
| through all three layers of the quilt at | | | | contrast well with the plain background. |
| reqular intervals. These "ties" hold the | | | | These traits appeal to a modern |
| layers together during use and | | | | esthetic; antique Amish quilts are among |
| especially when the quilt is washed. | | | | the most highly prized among collectors |
| This method is easier and more forgiving | | | | and quilting enthusiasts. |
| if the quilt is made by hand. Tied | | | | Ralli quilts are traditional quilts made |
| quilts are called, depending on the | | | | in Pakistan and India. Handmade ralli |
| regional area, "lap", "comfort" or | | | | quilts are used as blankets and |
| "comforter", among other names. Many | | | | bedspreads. These ralli quilts make use |
| quilts are made with decorative designs; | | | | of patchwork, applique and embroidery. |
| indeed, some quilts are not used as bed | | | | Parents present rallis to their |
| covering at all, but are rather made to | | | | daughters on their weddings as a dowry. |
| be hung on a wall or otherwise | | | | Amongst famous quilts in history is the |
| displayed. In British English, quilt is | | | | AIDS Memorial Quilt, which was begun in |
| another way of saying duvet, wadding is | | | | San Francisco in 1987, and is cared for |
| another way of saying batting, and | | | | by The NAMES Project Foundation. It is |
| calico refers to muslin rather than to a | | | | periodically displayed in various |
| fabric with a printed pattern on it. | | | | arranged locations. |
| Some uses of quilts | | | | The Museum of the American Quilter's |
| Bedding | | | | Society (also known as the National |
| Decoration | | | | Quilt Museum) is located in Paducah, |
| For wrapping bodies in | | | | Kentucky. The museum houses a large |
| Armoury (see Gambeson) | | | | collection of quilts, most of which are |
| Commemoration (e.g., the "Twentieth | | | | winning entries from the American |
| Century Women of Faith" quilt on the | | | | Quilter's Society festival and quilt |
| Patchwork page) | | | | competition held yearly in April. The |
| Education (e.g., the "Science" quilt | | | | Museum also houses other exhibits of |
| image shown here) | | | | quilt collections, both historic and |
| Campaigning | | | | modern. |
| Documenting events / social history etc. | | | | Many historic quilts can be seen in Bath |
| | | | at the American Museum in Britain. |
| Artistic Expression | | | | The largest known public collection of |
| Amish quilts are reflections of the | | | | quilts is housed at the International |
| Amish way of life. Because the Amish | | | | Quilt Study Center at the University of |
| people believe in not being "flashy" or | | | | Nebraska–Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. |
| "worldly" in dress and lifestyle, their | | | | The book "Australia's Quilts" by Jenny |
| quilts reflect this religious | | | | Manning is an excellent directory of the |
| philosophy. They use solid colors only | | | | many quilts on display in public |
| in their clothing and quilts. Some | | | | collections in Australia. |