Quilting used to be very common and was a social activity that brought communities together. It was an opportunity for people to spend time together, doing something fun and relaxing, but still useful. Quilts were necessary in colder months, and often, worn out clothing articles were recycled into patchwork quilts.

Today, quilting is not a necessity, but it still serves many beneficial purposes. It is a beautiful and lasting artistic expression. Even patchwork quilts are now popular, not as simply a use for old cloth, but as a way to preserve memories or treasured items. Some people incorporate bits of cloth from childhood blankets or clothes into quilts for children or grandchildren as a family treasure.

Many people today use quilting to relax and spend time with others, since it can be done alone or in groups. It is an opportunity to be creative and to use color and texture to express yourself while producing a useful item for actual use. The process of making something warm and soft is very comforting and restoring. This hobby allows people to experience the calm and inner peace of an older time that is often lost in the hustle of the modern world. Quilting can reduce stress and keep your hands and heart busy and active.

Quilting is not limited to blankets, though. Quilted jackets, purses, diaper bags, place mats, etc., have become popular fashion accessories. This leads to the added benefit of being able to quilt for profit. Even those not seeking to profit from their crafting can keep expenses down by making handmade gifts that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Many people enrich their souls by quilting for charity. Quilting is an enchanting craft that has enriched people’s lives for hundreds of years, and will most likely endure for years to come.