Cotton patch patchwork quilting

The Cotton Patch is a UK company specialising in patchwork and quilting supplies, products and haberdashery. We have been supplying patchworkers and quilters with fabrics, notions, books, software, haberdashery and accessories since and have the most comprehensive range of products in the UK. We have a shop based in Hall Green, Birmingham and publish an annual Catalogue and Newsletters throughout the year. Go to the Cotton Patch blog for information, views and news on patchwork and quilting.

We stock a great variety of patchwork and quilting fabrics from quality manufactures. Our ranges are constantly evolving and expanding. Here is a list of just a few of our fabric suppliers. Plain and Solid Patchwork Fabrics Plain and solid cotton patchwork fabrics are very much the style behind modern quilting. Fabric Palettes Hundreds of fabrics by the metre from co-ordinated palette ranges, tone on tones, co-ordinates, shadows and blenders.

Fat Quarter Fabric Packs A large selection of fabrics cut to fat quarter size, available as coordinated fat quarter packs. Charm Packs Fabric Charm packs are 5" square and contain a range of normally 20 to 30 fabrics, they are a great way to sample ranges and get lots of fabric.

Layer Cakes and Patchwork Palettes Moda Layer Cakes are 10" square pre-cut packs from Moda of specific ranges and we have an constantly changing range. Patchwork Panels A collection of patchwork and quilting panels and coordinating fabrics and packs.

Nursery Fabric A variety of Nursery fabrics including popular children's characters; available by the metre as well as fabric panels Utility Fabrics A variety of Calico's, Muslin's, hessian and utility fabrics available by the metre for backings and backgrounds. Christmas Fabrics A collection of patchwork and quilting fabrics for Christmas.

Fun and Funky Fabrics Gorgeous fun, bright and funky modern patchwork fabrics. Moda Marbles Moda Marble fabrics. The two other main areas in which patchwork objects may appear, are as linen for the table or as items of clothing.

Articles of female clothing such as bonnets, aprons and petticoats where all created with decorative patchwork themes, and modern items might include patchwork bags or waistcoats.

Patchwork has interesting social connotations and constructs that change over time. For example a patchwork bonnet might indicate that someone was not wealthy and could not afford a new bonnet, instead they had to make one from remnants. At another period of time it might be indicative that they have social status since the fabrics might be custom bought and it actually indicates someone with time on their hands. Winding Ways by Marti Michell Patchwork blocks A traditional patchwork quilt is commonly made up of blocks.

The block itself is made up of a number of squares or patches and is often termed a four, nine or sixteen patch block etc. Below is a list of just some of the many block designs that exist. To the left is a example of a Sampler Quilt. You can click on the quilt for a larger image. Folk Art Sampler Applique Quilt. Photography by Neil Porter. Over time the patchwork quilt has broken out of its main role as an item of bedding and the technique is now found on an array of objects.

Jackets, purses, cushions and bags have all had the patchwork treatment. In its ultimate expression the patchwork quilt has become a piece of art and the exhibits at major quilt shows such as Malvern or the Festival of Quilts at the NEC bring this art-form to an enraptured audience. Patchwork Quilts A patchwork quilt, such as that shown to the left, is an item of bedding made of three basic elements. The quilt top, the middle layer of wadding or batting and the quilt back.

These three elements are then quilted or stitched together so that the inner layer stays in place. Over time these basic elements have acquired more decorative aspects.

The quilt top is the most decorative and is made up of different pieces or patches of fabric that form intricate patterns.