Bedding Bedspreads, quilts and coverlets in the eighteenth and nineteenth were made in various ways. They could be pieced, embroidered, woven or appliquéd together showing the various skills of the women who made them. Not only were they made to be used but also were made to be used as decoration in the home. They were often given as gifts to newlyweds and could also be handed down in families as heirlooms.
During the 18th and 19th centuries in America as families were moving westward, settling in the wilderness bedding bedspreads and quilts might be some of the only decorative objects women had in the home. Not only were they given to young brides as gifts, but young women often made them to use in a new home after their marriage. Quite often this type of bedding might be the only object she had tying her to her old way of life. Bedding Bedspreads and Quilts were often given as gifts for Ministers or for the birth of a new child.
In the 18th century beds were designed to be covered entirely with material very similar to curtains. This type of enclosure was very warm and gave privacy. In New England this was very needed for the extremely cold winters. New England women would sometimes create a full set of this type including four curtains, valances, a head cloth and a coverlet. Coverlets at this time were usually a single layer unquilted bed covering. These bed coverings were made from materials such as linen, cotton or a mix of the two. They could be embroidered in wool with designs such as birds, trees or other colorful designs.
After the turn of the 19th century cotton material in many different designs and of high quality were available in America. These beautiful color patterns were utilized by the women to make bed coverings with these bright patterns sewn in. These appliquéd or quilted bed covers were especially popular in the mid western and southern states. During this period of time it was also very popular in the southern states to make bedspreads using woven cotton materials and tufting the designs into the fabric and using the tufting technique for the fringes. This was very similar in style to tufted carpet.
In America Bedding Bedspreads have been a very popular item in homes whether made by hand in the old tradition or made on a hand loom. After commercial textile mills started manufacturing bedding in America, the different designs and colors available flourished. With machinery it is possible to economically produce bedding products that are affordable for most all Americans.
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