Handmade quilts from India

Weaving handmade quilts in India is an age old art and craft. Though the right origin for weaving handmade quilts in India is still unknown but for womenfolk in the olden times, it was their need for socializing and a need to come out of their homes that started the trend for quilting. After their husbands left the home for work, women of the neighbourhood would gather together in winter afternoons to weave the quilt covers as they discussed their daily issues.
But that apart, it was obviously also the primary need to protect their families from the chilly and cold winter nights that had these women take to hand-quilting. Today, if machine-made modern quilts are termed as decorative and beautiful, handmade quilts carry with them the charm of exquisity and ethnicity, fine detailed work along with the functionality of being warm. With the passage of time, Indian weavers have evolved the art of handmade quilt, incorporating various unique patterns and designs in it. Today handmade quilts are not only limited to using patches and similar-coloured backings but ranges from different geometric patterns and stardust motifs to floral and artistic designs, different types of fabrics ranging from silk, handloom to cottons with almost every color, be it bright or dark.
Now-a-days, handmade quilts have become more of a fashion trend and style statement than just a necessity. And infact, handmade quilts from India are now also sought after in the global market of home furnishings. For Indian craftsmen who weave handmade quilts, they have stiff competition from machine-made quilts as these are much cheaper. However, there is also another section of the population that is willing to pay the additional price for the hardwork and the passion that goes into making these beautiful handmade quilts.
Some of these handmade quilts are so beautiful that people tend to use them as wall decoratives or table covers. Some of the exotic handmade quilts are even stored into possession as an heirloom to be passed down the future generations.
With the possession of handmade quilts, it becomes very important to treat them with care and love in order to preserve them and make them ever-lasting. Be it an age old passion or newly weaved quilt, handmade quilts can be repaired with matching threads and fabrics at hand or at most they can be repaired by an experienced weaver who is good at repairing quilts or one who provides the quilts restoring services. If the handmade quilts are the heirlooms then they should be washed once in five years. But if the handmade quilts are used everyday that get dirty easily, then they should be washed often. However, it is better is handmade quilts are washed of rare as it would only result in worn and weak threads and patches. If the handmade quilts are embroidered or carry the work of beads then they can be vacuumed. They should be aired time and time again in order to keep them from stinking.