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Introduction to Amish Patchwork

Amish patchwork is well known amongst quilting enthusiasts for their unique designs and quality ...

An Amish patchwork is easy to recognize due to its unique selection of colors and fabric. Most quilters know about traditional Amish Patchwork. Although, the Amish patchwork is generally known because of its floral patterns and heart designs, but it is popular due to its geometric patchwork with independent designs and beautiful quilting. Since people belonging to Amish community do not believe in flashy dressing and lifestyle, this simplicity can be seen in their Amish patchwork.

The Amish patchwork and quilts differ from other patchwork arts in quality and attractiveness. There are certain things that make Amish different. Some of these fatures of Amish patchwork are:  

* Use of big and geometrical color pattern on quilts
* Several religious designs on patchwork
* A middle pattern with inner and outer edges, bindings and use of contrasting color
* Sobriety of colors
* Distinguished patterns such as diamond in the square
* Striking patchwork design
* Use of fine wool as fabric
* No descriptive imagery and no patterned cloths for patchwork
* The quilts and patchwork are finished from very few pieces.
 
Amish patchwork is generally made of twelve attractive designs for quilts and patchwork like sunshine and shadow, monkey wrench, crown of thorns, Jacob’s ladder and eight more…

If a similar design to the Amish patchwork is made with the modern technique, then it may look alike at a first glance. But their closer examination will reveal the diversity in the colors, details and design elements of a limited design range.

Actually, the religious depiction on patchwork gives a traditional and unique look to it as compared to other intimately connected groups of art and craft. The religious designs that can be found on Amish patchwork can be of Mennonites or the Church of Brethren. The designs on patchwork are simple to look at and easily understandable. 

Often people think that mostly old quilts made from joining Amish patchworks are made by hand but it does not hold a complete true because the trend of using the sewing machines had begun by the 1870’s. Prior to 1900, browns and dark colors were most common among the quilters and patch makers but by the end of the 1920, the trend of using bright colors started.       

Even the Amish patchwork could not remain unaffected from the commercialization. The classic examples of Amish patchwork can now only be found in museums.

Artists now have begun to make patterns that are according to the modern taste. Competition in the market has certainly effect to the traditional method of making Amish patchwork but it is still able to secure its special place and it is adored by people even today.

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