Quilting has been a tradition in the Amish for many generations. Most quilting is done in the winter, when there isn’t a lot of work that must be done outside. It is also a fun opportunity for socializing during the long winter days, however, many of the women get their quilting things out soon after all the fall canning is done. Most quilting is done by the Amish wives and mothers, but they teach the young women how to do it too. Many experienced quilters can design their own pattern. Some of the women choose to use a pattern that had been previously used. Once a pattern is decided on, the Amish lady will buy fabric, with a color scheme in mind. The season often affects what the women will choose. After the fabric is bought, the quilt pieces are cut out pieced together and sewn in place with a manually operated sewing machine. When the top of the quilt is sewn together, the lady making the quilt invites her family and neighbors to come over and help stitch it together. This event is called a “quilting”, and is looked forward to by the Amish ladies. Around twenty ladies come over, even as many as thirty, to help out. The quilt batting, which gives the quilt thickness and added warmth, is placed between the quilt top and the quilt back. Next, the quilt is placed in a quilting frame, and pulled taut. The women line up around all four edges, and hand stitch the quilt together. The process of hand-stitching a quilt takes several days, even with thirty women working on it. While these women are stitching, still more women cook all the meals for the quilters. Often this is a time to chat about what is happening on their farms or with their families. Most quilts take one to two months to complete, and are not often given as gifts, except for very special occasions. This is because of the time and expenses involved in the process. By purchasing one of these beautiful handmade quilts you are providing income to these families and help to keep this tradition alive within the Amish community.
