Quiltmaking has long been considered one of the two only "true" American Art forms; the other Artform being Jazz. Researchers, however, have proven that what we have considered as a uniquely American art form found its origin throughout time, in areas around the world.

The earliest form of quilting technique to date has been found on an ivory carving, found in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos which features the king of the Egyptian First Dynasty wearing a mantle/cloak that appears to be quilted.₁ This artifact is dated 35th Century BC. Quilted art, clothing and artifacts depicting quilting technique have similarly been found in China appearing in ornamental silk quilts excavated from tombs dating 770-221 BC, in India appearing on ornate cloth dating 327 BC, in Mongolia appearing on quilted linen carpet dating circa 2nd century BC and in Russian in patched and leather felt Slippers dating circa 8th – 9th century AD.₂

Beginning in ancient Egypt and throughout the Middle Ages not only in Europe but also in many other cultures quilting appears to have been used primarily for clothing. Historians believe that quilting was brought to Europe through the Crusades as the Muslims invaded European cultures. The Muslim soldiers wore quilted clothing as part of their armor and this use of clothing became popular and was subsequently adopted by medieval European soldiers.

The use of quilting as an under garment became a "fashion statement" for European women. European women subsequently began using quilted clothing as a part of their under garments, designing elaborate petticoats that could be seen across the front of their skirts. Quilted articles of clothing became fashionable throughout Europe evolving into quilted bedding and draperies. Fine quilting evolved as a sign of the "affluent". The poor developed the unique style of quilting many layers of fabric together for warmth because the poor could not afford the carded wool or cotton.

European immigrants brought quilting to America. Quilting was originally performed by women who had means to purchase fabrics. They also developed the styles of appliqué. Quilting was not performed by working women. Working women spent their days spinning, weaving and sewing just to keep their family in clothing. It wasn't until the production of affordable textiles in the mid 19th century that working woman began quilting. The history of quilting is very Rich! It is steeped in the history of the African culture, Artform and textile arts; and how African-Egyptian culture migrated throughout history – through and into China, India, the Americas and finally into the United States.

References: 1 International Quilt Study Center, Quilt History Timeline, Pre-History - 1800, Carolyn Ducey, IQSC Curator. 2 Ibid The History of the Patchwork Quilt by Schnuppe von Qwinner Related articles by Lisa Evans, scholar on the origins of quilting: Medieval & Renaissance Quilting, A Short Introduction to Pre- Colonial Quilting

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