Why 2022 Is the Year To Get Into Quilting
Quilting is a fun hobby that many people use to pass the time, learn a new skill, make extra cash, or just create something that’s uniquely theirs. It’s the act of stitching a minimum of three layers of fabric together.
Some may assume that the art of quilting is over in our modern age, but there are many reasons why 2022 is the year to get into quilting!
In fact, between 2020 and 2024, North America’s population is expected to have a 2% increase in the quilting market, according to Craft Industry Alliance. Here, we’ll explore why quilting is coming back into the mainstream and how you can pursue it!
History of Quilting
Many forms of art have crafted our society in a way that reflects our modern technology, habits, and more. While it may seem like quilting is a relatively modern hobby, quilting has been around for hundreds of years.
Quilting has existed in our world starting as early as the 12th century. Let’s examine the complex history of quilting and how it has impacted our world today.
Earliest Forms of Quilting
Our society didn’t always see quilting “hacks” on TikTok and Instagram! The earliest forms of quilting were found in Asia and the Middle East during tomb excavations in the 14th century. Archaeologists performed these excavations to determine the quality of life of previous rulers.
It was discovered that the Crusaders wore quilted garments underneath their armor for warmth and extra protection. Additionally, quilted articles of clothing came to America and were patched together to make more usable quilts and clothing.
In fact, one of the oldest surviving quilts that exist in the world is the 14th century Tristan Quilt—a decorative quilted artifact.
Early To Mid-1800s
During the early to mid-1800s, full cloth quilts became quite popular within the wealthy community as materials were expensive to produce.
As the Amish settlers populated the Midwest, they eventually learned and adopted early quilting methods while also creating their own Amish quilts, a popular style today.
As more citizens discovered the magic of quilting, it became clear that this valuable skill would be around for a long time. Because of this, many variations were created in order for Americans to survive unpredictable weather conditions.
19th Century
Quilting became a household hobby around the early 19th century as manufacturers began to create cotton fabric for a more cost-effective price. However, large amounts of cotton, silk, and wool were still being imported at this time.
Furthermore, around the late 1800s, the Baltimore Album (Friendship quilt) emerged and consisted of detailed floral patterns, which remained popular through the 19th century.
Throughout this time, many people were able to quilt articles of clothing and bedsheets quickly by using a block-by-block method. Silk quilts rapidly became popular and helped formulate the Mosaic design, a popular pattern that remains above the 20th century’s Grandmother’s Flower Garden design.
The 1970s—The Revival of Quilting
The 1970s era revolved around many significant events that built history and created the world we live in today.
During this time, quilting became an act of innovation as well as a medium to appreciate and reminisce about the simpler times that existed in prairie life. Quilting brought on a nostalgic factor that many could not ignore at the time.
People made quilts of various designs to celebrate history, while highly honorable women’s magazines helped popularize it by bringing new ideas to the table regarding designs and techniques.
Towards the end of the 1970s, quilting guilds were formed, targeting the continuation of the hobby and setting up future generations for success.
Bold, Modern Designs
Since the early 14th century, millions of people worldwide have created millions of different patterns and designs we can now choose from when starting a project.
However, the designs don’t stop there; modern quilting offers a plethora of opportunities to explore your unique style and beauty. Social media has changed the quilting industry forever with its different ideas, fabrics, patterns, supplies, and more.
Quilted articles have gone from simple clothing and bedsheets to home décor, placemats, purses, and more. In other words, our communities have revolutionized the art of quilting into something that will thrive for years to come.
New Audience
With new designs comes a new audience. Although many people assume that quilting and other calming hobbies are only for senior citizens, due to social media shining a fresh light on quilting, people of all ages are quickly becoming interested in the art.
The pandemic has inspired many children and adults to try new hobbies and learn various ways to express themselves, and quilting is the perfect hobby for just that.
New Year, New Goals
Each new brings a fresh start, so why not make 2022 the year you try different things on your bucket list? Quilting is a fun hobby to get into, and the new year is the perfect time to buy quilting fabric online in Canada and create beautiful art.
Focus on Self-Care
Quilting is considered therapeutic because it requires intense concentration, making it the perfect stress reducer and distraction from our racing thoughts.
When you quilt something, you take care of your mental health because you promote relaxation, which decreases anxiety (fight or flight response).
Additionally, when one quilts an article of clothing or fabric, they might feel accomplished when creating something entirely their own, which can boost their confidence!
Teaches Critical Skills
Quilting requires immense focus due to the intricate nature of stitching fabrics together to build a specific pattern. Each design is distinctive and thus needs particular techniques to accomplish such details.
With that said, quilting improves your dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and patience. Each skill is critical, especially for children.
Opportunity To Make Money
Many people start hobbies to make extra cash; those hobbies tend to be graphic design, photography, writing, and more. However, not many know that quilting can certainly help you earn a great side income!
Because quilting is such an extraordinary form of art, people are usually looking for handmade quilted articles to purchase for their homes and wardrobe.
Get started today to experience the multiple benefits of quilting and how it can positively impact your life.
If you’re wondering what to do this year to improve yourself, this guide to why 2022 is the year to get into quilting can give you great ideas to start!
