Patchwork

Patchwork has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the 3500 BC. It can be described as layering of different fabric pieces cut and sown together. Patchwork is an integral part of many cultures around the globe. People from Sindh, Mexico, Europe, America and Africa have been making patchwork quilts for hundreds of year. People have been known to cut fabrics in repeated patterns and sewing them together to make blankets, sheets, and sometimes even clothes. Over the years different types and techniques of patchwork have been developed. Patchwork itself is an art and a skill that needs years of experience of training. Artists have been using these techniques to record historical & biblical events through patchwork.

Originally men were the ones who made textile fabrics and them patchwork designs in Africa, but the tradition was later passed to women who were slaves in America and European women. During the depression era women made different types of quilts to spend their time and make something of practical use. They also formed quilting bees, where different women gathered in groups to work on their individual projects.

Patchwork was made by hand and still is in some parts of the world. Hand sewing complex designs could take weeks, months or sometimes years to make. Due to the recent development in technology, sewing machines can easily sew layers of fabric. Patchwork has also been revolutionized by the technological advances. Digital photography and magazines dedicated to patchwork has kept this tradition alive in the modern world. Designs and patterns can be digitally downloaded and printed. Making things much easier for everyday people to cut and sew patches of fabric.

Patchwork has been an important part of my childhood. It’s an important part of my Sindhi Culture and I’ve seen my family making quilts for years. Using scrap pieces of fabric and cutting them into different shapes and sizes to make intricate designs have always fascinated me. In my culture we call it “Rilli”, they resemble quilts. They’re bedspreads and blankets made by men & women alike in Sindh.