Capturing Country Living With Rustic Quilts

Quilting is an old American hobby and craft passed from one generation to another. More than being a functional blanket, it is history and art combined. Different themes can be used in quilting, and did you know that the trademark design of rustic quilts depict life in the countryside? The most interesting quilts actually tell a story about a family’s life in the country.

What gives a quilt a rustic look?

All the things that remind you of country living: chickens, plants, deer, barns, moose, ducks, birds, trees, leaves; the list is endless, practically anything found in the country which strongly reminds you of an uncomplicated life. The predominant colors used are mostly autumn colors such as red, orange, and brown and their different hues.

How do you make rustic quilts?

Quilts are made by sewing separate blocks together. Each block can represent a different country element alternating with country-style fabrics (e.g. pattern of leaves), whatever design you want to use.

Each block is worked on separately. It has three layers of fabric: quilt top, batting, and quilt back. The three fabrics are like a meatloaf in a sandwich. On the quilt top, the major design is placed: either as a patchwork or as an appliqué. The difference of the two is that an appliqué has more small fabrics added to give highlights to the area. A patchwork and appliqué can be combined. The batting serves as the meatloaf that gives warmth and allows the quilt top design to appear embossed. The quilt back serves as the fabric that keeps the padding and quilt top clean and intact.

Before attaching to the main quilt, the block is carefully bounded at the sides with pieces of fabrics and sewn to hide the edges and batting.

Since each block is worked on separately, it is possible to make a quilt bigger by adding more blocks every year or as often as you can.

What materials are best to use in making the quilt?

Although any fabric can be used, 100% cotton is the fabric of choice since only a few people are allergic to it. It is also cool. For batting, cotton is also preferred because it is soft and hypoallergenic.

What tools do I need in making a quilt?

Fabric, batting, quilting thread (they are waxed so that friction is lessened against your fingers), needle, a sharp scissors, a rotary cutter (for cutting patterns), and a self-healing pad where you can cut the fabric. All these tools can be bought, but if you have neighbors, friends, or relatives who have them and would no longer be using them, it would be more economical to just borrow them first.

Some Tips for Beginners

For beginners, here are additional tips on how to go about quilting.

1. Start with a trial block.
It is good to practice with a few blocks first before attempting a more ambitious quilt. This is advisable just to get the hang of it especially the technique of keeping the fabric and batting in place. Once you have mastered the stitching techniques, then you can move on to the real block.

2. Look for a pattern.
There are books with ready made patterns which you can buy from a craft store or from the internet. Ask specifically for country style designs to make your rustic quilt.

3. Look for scrap fabrics before buying new ones.
Before spending a cent for the fabrics, look inside your closet and your family’s cabinets. There might be scraps that can be incorporated in your trial quilt or even as an appliqué to your actual quilting project.

4. Borrow tools from your friends and relatives.
You can never tell if this quilting hobby will last, so if you are just testing the water, it would be better to borrow quilting tools from friends and relatives who have them.

5. If you are ready to move on to serious quilting, then think of a story.
Thinking of a story for your country quilt is a great way to motivate you in quilting. The more you make the quilt a personal recollection of your life, the more will it become colorful, creative, and self-rewarding. Imagine quilting as a form of storytelling. If you have kids in the future, a quilted blanket sewn with a story is a novel way to put your child to sleep.

The Benefits of Quilting

In the past, quilting is more than sewing fabrics. It is also a way of sewing the lives of families and friends together. Quilting is a social activity in old American living. Nowadays, there are still some who practice this in their hometown. As a social event, families are able to pass on their history to the younger generation. If you have watched the movie “How to Make an American Quilt”, then you would appreciate this benefit more.

More than being a social activity to produce a functional and decorative blanket or bedspread, you can actually make this small hobby into an income-generating activity. Some of the more established business ventures on quilting started from small and humble beginnings. Earn while pursuing your hobby. Additional cash is always a welcome blessing to any household.