The wholecloth or whitework quilt is a dream come true, particularly for those who dislike piecing and appliqué. This is the simplest quilt project ever. It would be a good choice for lap quilting.
Usually, one whole piece of fabric forms the quilt top, which explains the name. Occasionally for an oversized quilt, two or three large pieces of material are stitched together. Otherwise, the top has no seams.
Whether you’re machine or hand quilting, this project will take considerable time. The quilt top is covered with intricate, closely spaced quilting stitches. In this process, you’re creating an heirloom quilt.
Origins of Wholecloth Quilts
Wholecloth quilts were originally used for warmth. The first ones were created in Lindsey, England. Originally of a linen/wool blend, this fabric tended to be coarse, stiff, and heavy. Yet, it made a very warm quilt. Until that time, patchwork was a necessity with quilters making do with whatever fabric scraps were available.
A thin wadding of wool was used as batting for the early wholecloth quilts. At that time, batting wasn’t available in rolls as it is now.
The quilting stitches were there for a reason—to hold the batting securely in place. For thread, linen was used.
Within several centuries, the very nature of the wholecloth quilt changed dramatically. The original coarse fabric was replaced by fine cottons. The stitching also became elaborate, and the result was a much more sophisticated quilt.
All these adaptations eventually transformed their use as well. Once utilitarian, these became decorative, heirloom quilts.
Because the fabric was often white, these are also called whitework quilts. A typical example is a white-on-white bridal quilt.
Making a Wholecloth Quilt
Patterns for wholecloth quilts are available in books and magazines. You assemble the three layers (top fabric, batting, and back) as you would for any other quilt.
Certain fabrics are preferred for wholecloth projects. They include chintz, satin, and silk. The sheen tends to emphasize the beautiful stitching. In addition, cotton continues to be a favorite.
These quilts are reversible, so choose an attractive backing. Often, the same fabric is used for the top and back.
The quilting designs for wholecloth quilts often have repeating patterns of classical motifs, such as feathering. Closely spaced rows of quilt stitches typically fill the space between the motifs.
Beginners might want to start with a small wholecloth project, such as bassinet/crib quilts and lap quilts.
Quilting a wholecloth quilt is easy. This is partly due to the fact that you aren’t quilting through lots of patchwork seams or layers of appliqué.
With their exquisite stitching, wholecloth quilting projects are destined to become family heirlooms.
