The history of quilting is not definitively known, but it is thought to have originated during the Crusades when soldiers needed warmth. The two layers of cloth, with the layer in between, answered this need and also protecting them from chafing. There are some Egyptian sculptures which show figures that appear to be wearing quilted clothes. Quilting really became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, when women would create handmade quilts to be used as bedspreads.

What are the Various Quilting Tools?

There are many different quilting tools available, some which are essential to complete a quilt and others which make life easier for the quilter. Here are some of the various quilting tools:

• Transparent rulers - These are used to ensure that cuts are accurate and straight.
• Mats - These are used during the cutting process, so that the cutting surface and the blade are not damaged.
• Rotary Cutter - This is a rolling razor blade, made specifically for cutting fabrics into strips and pieces.
• Scissors - Scissors may also be used for cutting out shapes and cutting fabric.
• Measuring tape - Special quilters measuring tape often comes in a particularly long measure, so that there is enough tape to measure large pieces of fabric.
• Safety pins - These are used to pin layers together. Curved safety pins are designed to make it easier for all layers to be pinned together.
• Quilt Pins - These are longer than ordinary pins.
• Quilting thread - Thread is available in many grades. Generally finer threads are used to stick pieces and heavier thread is employed for the "quilting" or the stitches that bind the layers together.
• Walking foot - This is also called an even feed foot. It is used for machine quilting, to help move the quilt through the machine.
• Marking tools - These help the quillter to mark temporary lines of fabric. There are pencils and pens available.
• Hand quilting needles - These are used for doing hand sewing jobs when making your quilt. Heavier gauge needles are usually required for stitching the layers of the quilt together.
• Quilt template sheets - These enable to the quilter to make their own designs to be used in their quilt.
• Quilting frames - These frames are used in hand sewing jobs, particularly when sewing small pieces onto the fabric, or sewing through pictures onto different layers.
• Quilt racks - These are used when you have finished your quilt, to help you hang it where you can enjoy it.

Is Quilting Software Available?

There are many different quilting software packages available to help you design your quilts. With quilting software, you can select different shapes and place them onto a template, adding, removing and changing them until you have the pattern you want. Some quilting software packages allow you to scan in your fabrics, photographs and pictures so that you can have a very accurate preview of what your quilt will look like. Some of the popular quilting software programs include Electric Quilt 5 and Quilt-Pro 5.

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