Quilting is an ancient activity, present in many cultures with each of these cultures influencing its development and popularity through time. Quilt design became an expression of its makers' feelings, or the witness of historical events or happy moments in simple people's lives. From its beginning until the present day, quilting had its ups and downs. Today, the development of the textiles industry and the refinement of the machines and accessories used in making quilts, along with the improved techniques of quilting and availability of quilting "tools" and supplies have transformed this simple activity into a true art form.

According to folklore, the oldest quilt came from ancient Egypt and consists of an item of clothing found on the statue of an Egyptian pharaoh, who lived around the year 3400 B.C. The technique used in quilting stitches was also found in decorative objects from the Middle Ages. It is considered that the Templar Knights themselves took over the idea of quilted garments from the Muslim soldiers, who had a kind of quilted fabric to replace parts of their armour when the metal was insufficient for their warmth and protection.

In America, the craft of quilting was introduced by the Dutch and the English colonists, who made triple layered clothing to protect them from harsh weather conditions. Quilts were fashioned from the remains of the fabrics the colonists made for their bed coverings. This purportedly happened in the early 16th century and there are some written records about the quilting patterns and designs used in those times, but few samples have been found because the fabrics did not withstand the test of time. Even so, a well-preserved sample is dated around the16th century and, here, you can observe the parent of the quilting stitch represented by the coarse needlework and style of embroidery.

The 17th century gives us the first known quilted bed covering which was made from imported Indian chintzes. The details and the exquisite craft design indicate it as an example of high quality quilting, and not just an ordinary bed covering which had been typical of the time.

When the colonists brought the first patchwork-quilted products to America, they did not realize that the craft of quilting would develop from its original utilitarian purpose into the sophisticated art form that it is recognized for today. Early American women realized the great advantages of quilting, and saw the functionality combined with the artistic expression of their quilts and decided to expand and improve upon the use of the scarce samples of fabrics brought to the New World by the colonists. Therefore, they started to create interesting geometric designs that became very popular during the 1880's. Before long, quilts began to be displayed at fairs and sewing contests and were passed down from generation to generation as cherished family heirlooms.

During the 20th century, the traditional craft of quilted bed coverings, table coverings or child comforts slightly decreased. Cheap and mass-produced garments and comforters replaced the original hand sewn quilted bed coverings.

The 1960's brought the re-emergence of the craft of quilting in the southern areas of the United States and the tradition was once again brought back to life and passed along from one generation to another. Almost 20 years later, during the 1980's women who were passionate about sewing, quilting and designing helped to elevate the craft of quilting into an art form. Today, quilting has become a thriving new business industry, respected and appreciated by both young and old.