Crazy patchwork is a technique where random shaped pieces of different coloured fabric are stitched to a foundation, either by hand or machine.  The patch seams are then embellished with embroidery, lace, braids etc., although they can be left unembellished if preferred.  Motifs are often embroidered onto the patches as well, either before piecing or afterwards.  There are no 'rules' with crazy patchwork, anything goes and the only limitation is your imagination!

History of Crazy Patchwork

Crazy patchwork (also known as crazy quilting) appears to have originated in America during the Victorian era and soon found its way to Europe.  It reached its peak in the late 1880's and started to fizzle out by the early 1900's.  It is thought that the introduction of Japanese arts at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 was a primary influence in the development of crazy patchwork because the crazed and cracked patterns on many Japanese textiles and ceramics resembled crazy patches.  The use of oriental motifs, such as fans, storks, owls, spiders webs (which supposedly symbolised good luck), butterflies and flowers were also widespread.   Another favourite theme was the 'language of flowers'.  The Victorians put great importance to meanings given to flowers and these were often used on crazy patchwork.  Crazy quilts were often used as a momento of someone, much like modern day scrapbooks are.  Important events were recorded on the quilts by embroidering names and dates or using pieces of fabric with sentimental relevance such as scraps of a wedding dress or christening gown.  These are known as ‘memory quilts’.   Crazy patchwork became extremely popular and was advertised widely in magazines and journals.  Even cigarette companies joined the craze with the introduction of ‘cigarette silks’ in packets of cigarettes.  These small embroidered or printed silk pictures of flowers, butterflies, animals, flags and queens were used by ladies in their quilts.  Victorian ladies used sumptuous fabrics such as silk, satin and velvet to patch their quilts and these were lavishly decorated with hand embroidery, beads, buttons, trinkets, silk flowers, ribbons and lace.