Quilt Qua

Crazy Quilts

By: Penny Halgren

Q: From one soon-to-be-quilter, I want to make a "Crazy Quilt," and don't understand the need to stitch the pieces to a backing pieces as I go along.
Thanks, Paula

A: Crazy quilts got their name because each block is made from pieces of fabric that are all different sizes and shapes as well as types of fabric.

For example, one block in a crazy quilt could include a scrap of velvet, wool, cotton, cordouroy, and cotton.

The shapes of the fabric pieces are also very different. Not even as simple as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, and a circle, the pieces are sometimes indescribable shapes - 5 sided pieces where none of the sides are the same length as any of the others.

Working with all of those different sizes and shapes makes it virtually impossible to sew the pieces together as you would a traditional patchwork quilt block.

So, quilters discovered that a successful way to use all of these odd-shaped fabric pieces was to stitch them onto a foundation piece, trim off the excess from the sides, and then sew the blocks together.

And then, to make the quilt even more interesting and ease the transition from one type of fabric to another, they embroider fancy stitches over the seams.

Crazy quilts are one of the oldest forms of patchwork quilts, and in many cases some of the most treasured. These quilts included fabrics from clothes as well as upholstery, draperies and other decorating fabrics that would remind families of home.

For additional information about crazy quilts and instructions about making a crazy quilt, you might want to check out some of these resources at amazon.com:

Happy Quilting!

Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

www.How-to-Quilt.com
Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters

www.Rag-Quilt-Instructions.com
Fast, Fun and Funky Quilts

www.Fabric-Postcards.com
Quilt Greetings Across the Miles

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©2007, Penny Halgren