Patchwork is the art of hand or machine stitching strips, circles, blocks and many other shapes

together to form a top for a quilt. This stitchery becomes a quilt when three layers come together.

The first layer is the hand or machine sewed piece - the top

The second layer is wadding which gives a quilt its warmth. In years past this would have been  old blankets

or rags. We now have bamboo, wool, cotton and polyester waddings available.

The third and last layer is called the backing - many stores have sheeting fabric available in many sizes to compliment

the top.

The very last stage of making a quilt is the binding, usually made from materials used in either the top or backing.

Many Quilt or Patchwork stores can link you to a Quilting machine operator who will stitch all layers together

in a quilt machine.   You may prefer to hand sew your quilt together using stitches suited to the quilt or stitcher.

Don't forget to add a label - either hand or machine stitched. Write a little of why the quilt was made e.g. Sophie

and Deans wedding, the year made and a personal touch - your signature or hand stitchery or emblem.