Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Quilts Tied in the 1800"s??

     I was thinking about putting a civil war era quilt together-probably this fall into winter. I don't want to get too many projects going at the same time-but I do want to make the most of my time creating while being husband's caregiver. 

   I have been making the slow stitch bags, and I did tear up lots of fabrics to make into a toothbrush rug-which I have not started yet. Or I had been painting so I have kept myself busy with arts and crafts.

  So I asked the computer tonight  about this and this is what AI says  ( I have been asking the computer different questions lately and AI always answers.

Yes, quilts were frequently tied in the 1800s, especially for utilitarian, everyday use or when the maker needed a warm blanket quickly. While fine, intricately quilted items were saved for special occasions or showpieces, tied "comforters" were a staple for winter warmth. 
Tied quilts were highly practical throughout the 19th century and beyond: 
  • Utility and Warmth: Tied bedcovers were heavily utilized by pioneers on the prairie and in lumber camps to survive freezing nights. 
  • The "Tying" Process: Instead of sewing thousands of tiny, intricate quilting stitches, makers secured the top, batting, and backing by passing a needle and heavy thread or yarn through all three layers and tying the ends into square knots.
  • Historical Trends: In the late 1800s, thick wool "comforters" often featured ties instead of stitched quilting. Additionally, elaborately designed "crazy quilts" from the Victorian era were frequently tied rather than quilted.

  Growing up at home I always remembered my Mom's huge cabinet-floor to ceiling-filled with quilts and tied thick comforters as mentioned above .Not sure what ever happened to those quilts 
  A few years ago I made a huge flannel quilt with Yellowstone inspired fabrics with a wool batting. and the backing is also thick quality flannel. The issue has been difficult to tie do to the weight and thickness.  I need to get that out and just lay it on the floor to tie I think..  It didn't work in the quilt frame at all.  I had tried hand quilting this too with long stitches, but just too thick to do that. I have been thinking about that quilt lately.
 It is just beginning to get dark as I type this-and we have lightening bugs out there-pretty cool
 Have a good night

17 comments:

  1. Fascinating, Kathy. Today, July 1st, is Canada 🇨🇦 Day and moving day.
    I am glad I don't need to move, we are in a heat wave here in Montreal and it is extremely hot and humid. Please stay hydrated and safe.
    Hugs.

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  2. Good morning-You stay safe as well-Hugs back

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  3. Good luck with your quilt making. I never learned how to quilt but do love them. The fireflies have been twinkling here at night for a bit now and I so love watching them. Too hot to do anything outside right now..so after going to the hospital will stitch. Janice

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    1. Good morning, I am so enjoying the fireflies too reminds me of fairies. Same here extreme heat and humidity-I did get out early to water my perennials this morning since we have not had rain in awhile-and of course lots of weeds need pulling out there-by the time I finished the watering too hot.

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  4. How lovely, dear Kathy! We have those wonderful beetles too—the ones that glow in the evening and flit about the garden looking for a mate... in German they are called "Glühwürmchen" and in Norwegian "ildfluer." It is a truly beautiful time of year right now... I wish you lots of success and joy with your fabrics... I work with fabrics too, though not quite as much during the summer.
    Sending you a hug, Viola

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    1. Good morning Viola thank you for sharing about the fireflies. I am enjoying playing with fabrics again-keeps my mind busy for a bit--please contact me if you see this

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    2. Dear Kathy, feel free to contact me at blogg@barwitzki.de; I rarely use email, but I will keep an eye out for a message from you.
      Warm regards, Viola
      Best wishes from me.

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  5. Could you imagine making a quilt back then? So much has changed in so many area. I never really considered quilts.

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    1. Yes everything was hand sewn before the sewing machine. slow stitching is very popular now-something all hand stitched.

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  6. I have no desire to make any type of quilt, but admire people who do.

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    1. Good morning-that's ok we all have different interests hugs

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  7. I collect vintage quilts (and some not-so-vintage). But I've no talent for making one. It will be fun to follow yours.

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    1. that is awesome Jeanie I have one vintage quilt

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  8. Interesting projects and oh, lightening bugs! I saw them but twice in my life.

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    1. Good morning Iris-so glad you got to see the lightening bugs I always loved them

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  9. I haven't seen lightening bugs since i left Arkansas.... so pretty for you! I remember chasing lightening bugs as a kid up in PA and NJ... too dry here probably.. Never heard of tied quilts... my mother in law would probably know as she was a quilter but she's been gone for years now.. I always have to have several projects going so i can do whatever i'm in the mood for... ofcourse that does lead to some procrastination on my part...lol Hugs! deb

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