| The term "crazy quilting" is often used to refer to the | | | | Crazy quilts differ from "regular" quilts in other ways as |
| textile art of crazy patchwork and is sometimes used | | | | well. Because the careful geometric design of a quilt |
| interchangeably with that term. Crazy quilting does not | | | | block is much less important in crazy quilts, the quilters |
| actually refer to a specific kind of quilting (the | | | | are able to employ much smaller and more |
| needlework which binds two or more layers of fabric | | | | irregularly-shaped pieces of fabric. In comparison to |
| together), but a specific kind of patchwork. Crazy quilts | | | | standard quilts, crazy quilts are far more likely to use |
| rarely have the internal layer of batting that is part of | | | | exotic pieces of fabric, such as velvet, satin, tulle, or silk, |
| what defines quilting as a textile technique. | | | | and embellishments such as buttons, lace, ribbons, |
| Crazy Quilting created a stir in the 1880's when it | | | | beads, or embroidery. Crazy quilting as a textile art is |
| became quite a fad in the United States. The | | | | extremely creative and free-flowing by nature, and |
| Japanese Exhibit in the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial | | | | crazy quilters will often learn as much about specific |
| Exposition inspired the crazy quilt with its asymmetrical | | | | embellishments as they will about crazy quilting itself. |
| art. Articles encouraging crazy quilting, or condemning it | | | | Regular patchwork combines the pieces of fabric into |
| could be found in women's publications. Women could | | | | a predetermined and regular design, but crazy |
| purchase packages of random fabrics, as well as | | | | patchwork uses irregular pieces of fabric on a |
| already embellished pieces to use in their own crazy | | | | foundation fabric or paper. This may create |
| quilts. | | | | haphazard-looking and asymmetrical designs, or the |
| During the first several years of the crazy quilting fad | | | | designer may use some control in placement. Patches |
| fine fabrics and heavy embellishment was the norm. | | | | can be hand appliquéd onto a base fabric. This |
| As time passed quilters began to make simpler quilts in | | | | method gives the most variety as every patch is |
| the crazy quilt style. These used everyday fabrics like | | | | unique. There are also block patterns designed for |
| wool or cotton and little or no embellishment. Crazy | | | | crazy quilt that can be sewn by machine. |
| quilting is also used on clothing like vests and jackets. | | | | Sometimes part of a crazy quilt is haphazard while |
| Some art quilters use crazy quilting as a part of their | | | | other parts are placed in a planned pattern. A common |
| art quilts. Today, crazy quilting is enjoyed by quilters | | | | example of this the placement of patches in a fan |
| with an organic approach to their art. They often use | | | | pattern. The patches and seams are then usually |
| cast off clothing and photographs to infuse the crazy | | | | heavily embellished. |
| quilt with meaning and memory. | | | | |