In olden days women did not make quilts for pleasure, they made them out of neccessity. Quilts that originally began as being servicable later ended up being works of art that were dutifully passed down from generation to generation, a sense of pride following each quilt.


Handmade quilts are not easy to make and were even harder in earlier days when women did not have the use of a sewing machine for assistance. Usually, quilts were made from patches, or small squares of different types and colors of cloth pieced together with a backing. These quilts proved to be sturdy and warm on cold winter nights. Patches, in early days, were made not from new fabric bought specifically for this purpose, but rather pieces of worn clothing that were no longer servicable for wearing. Women began using imagination when making these quilts and different patterns and designs originated from the hands of honest women working to keep their families warm.
To make a handmade quilt you will need the following:


Pattern (You may use a store-bought pattern, make your own, or use one that is passed down from previous generations.)


Material (It is no longer neccessary to use patches from worn clothing, but it does make for a more unique quilt. You can use new material.)


Thread (Keep color neutral-mainly white.)


Batting


Backing (You will need a large section of material to use as the backing of your quilt. An old sheet or new material will work just as well as anything else.)


Sewing Machine (Optional. Some prefer hand-sewn quilts and they generally generate more money than machine-sewn quilts.)


First, cut patches needed for design. (Make sure you have enough before you begin sewing.)


Second, piece together according to design before sewing together.


Third, sew patches together.


Forth, once all patches are sewn together, add batting, then backing and sew together. (You will need to sew down the length and width of the quilt to keep backing, batting, and patches sewn together properly. Most people use a certain design when doing so.)


Your quilt is ready for use or ready to be given away as a gift. They are wonderful to use and a wonderful piece of history just waiting to be passed on down the line.