patchwork

Patchwork is a textile technique in which fabrics of different colors and patterns are cut into shapes and sewn together to form a larger design. It is most commonly used to create quilts, but is also employed in clothing, accessories, and decorative textiles. The practice arose in many cultures as a practical method of reusing scraps and extending fabric life.

Early examples of patchwork quilts appear in North America and Europe, with regional styles such as the log cabin, nine-patch, double wedding ring, and crazy quilt. Techniques include piecing (joining fabric shapes by sewing), appliqué (attaching shapes to a base), and quilting (stitching multiple layers together). Traditional patchwork often uses cottons and wools, while modern work may incorporate synthetic fabrics and bold, graphic designs.

Patchwork has social and cultural dimensions, including community quilting circles and collaborative projects. In the arts, patchwork is linked to the broader traditions of quilting as both functional craft and fiber art, with quilts exhibited in museums and galleries. In contemporary craft and design, patchwork intersects with sustainability, upcycling, and digital fabrication, with patterns shared online and through maker networks.

Etymology: The term patchwork comes from patch and work, describing the method of assembling patches into a whole.