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Quilting is one of the oldest of household crafts. It probably originated in Europe in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, with different regions developing their own traditional patterns. In its simplest form, it is a method of holding two layers of fabric together with a layer of insulation between them for warmth. Originally, almost any form of filling was used, from wool left by sheep on hedgerows to shreds of old material. When making a quilted object, choose the simplest design to show off the work to best effect. Examples look well on cushions or throw over bedspreads.

English quilting: It is usual to use synthetic wadding as the filling, though “bump” and “domett” are possible choices, or even an old blanket. Wadding is available in several thicknesses. Natural fibers are the best for quilting. Manmade fibers are more resistant to shaping. Fabrics with sheen, such as satin, show off patterns well. Velvet and fine wool also produce luxurious items. Backing consists of calico, muslin, sheeting, or the main fabric itself so that the quilt is reversible. A matt fabric is best for the underside of a bed cover, to prevent it slipping off the bed. If machine sewing the design, the stitches will go through all layers without difficulty. However, with a large bedcover, you will almost certainly be unable to get the work under the machine arm, necessitating either working by hand or dealing with the quilt in sections, making the final joins part of the overall design. It is not necessary to cover the whole area with an elaborate design you could work just the central part or even one corner. The remainder could be quilted with a simple all-over pattern of squared, rectangular or diamond stitches.

Cut out the fabric for the top and the backing. Add 7.5cm to the length and width to give 2.5cm turnings all round and to allow for the slight reduction in size caused by the quilting process. Cut the wadding to the same size as the outer fabrics if you have to join widths, overlap the edges of the wadding and secure them with a large running stitch. Plan the design, deciding, if necessary, where the separate sections will join, so that the seams can form part of the pattern. Sketch or trace the design on to tracing paper, tack along the lines of pattern. Tear away the tracing paper, leaving the design in tacking on the top fabric.