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