Patchwork appeared in England in the XVI century. With the help of this technique quilted blankets made of cotton fabric were created. They were brought from India. They were distinguished by a wide range of colors and patterns. Such "Indian" blankets were considered a sign of prosperity. The popularity of blankets grew, and fakes soon appeared. They were made in manufactories. In 1712, the Government of England decided to ban the sale of Indian cotton and products made with it in England. In such a way it tried to keep its woolen and silk manufactories. Chintz began to be smuggled, the prices for it increased. It was used for appliques due to the high cost.
The Americans themselves believe that they invented the technique of patchwork sewing. They call it quilt, or quilting (coming from the English quilt - "stitch", quilting - "stitching"). But the version that this technology was "imported" by immigrants from England, Germany and Holland by the end of the XVIII century looks more convincing. Initially, quilting was done by women from wealthy families and it later spread among the entire population of the country. The peculiarity of quilt is its brightness and careful thoughtfulness of details. In 1970, the quilt was recognized as an art, and its specimens immediately replenished collections of museums.
