Libraryquilt

The History of Quilting!

  • First Quilted Garment
    3218 BCE

    First Quilted Garment

    The first example of a quilted garment was found on a carved ivory figure of a Pharaoh of the first Egyptian Dynasty!
  • Period: 3218 BCE to

    Quilting History

    Quilty beginnings and progress!
  • Quilted Floor Covering
    100 BCE

    Quilted Floor Covering

    The first example of quilted floor covering was found in Mongolia in 1924!
  • Quilting in Needlework
    401

    Quilting in Needlework

    In Europe, during the 5th century, quilting was mixed in with needlework and embroidery.
  • Quilted Bedding
    1101

    Quilted Bedding

    During the 12th century when crusaders returned from the Middle East, quilted objects such as bedding became more popular!
  • Oldest Surviving European Quilt
    1450

    Oldest Surviving European Quilt

    The Triston quilt is from the mid to late 1400's, made of linen and padded with wool. It is one of the earliest surviving quilts and is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
  • Colonial Quilts

    Colonial Quilts

    In early colonial times, quilts consisted of fabric, batting, and a backing held together by needlework!
  • Patchwork Quilts

    Patchwork Quilts

    Patchwork quilting, along with foundation paper piecing, started as Americans began to venture west!
  • Oldest Surviving American Quilt

    Oldest Surviving American Quilt

    The Martha Howard quilt is the oldest surviving quilt in America.
  • African American Quilts

    African American Quilts

    During slavery, many African American women quilted in their own unique style! This style is still heavily popular today.
  • Hawaiian Quilts

    Hawaiian Quilts

    Hawaiian women learned to quilt from New England missionaries. By 1970, they had perfected their own style of applique quilting!
  • Art Quilts

    Art Quilts

    By the late 20th century, quilters began making Art Quilts to display on walls instead of on beds. The National Quilt Museum houses many Art Quilts on display!