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