SAEDNEWS: A quilt stitched with threads of art, teetering on the edge of collapse.
In the past, quilting was a thriving craft, and its products were an inseparable part of daily life. Unfortunately, in recent years, with the rise of textile machinery and the mass production of industrial blankets, quilts, mattresses, and pillows, the demand for handmade quilting has gradually declined. This traditional art is now on the verge of falling into oblivion, with many quilting shops closing or shifting to other trades.
The combined art of quilting, mattress-making, and pillow-making—collectively referred to as quilting—is one of Iran’s traditional crafts. While no historical records have definitively traced its origin, non-documented evidence suggests that making bed covers was among the earliest human crafts, possibly beginning during the first winter after creation, added to the needs of Adam and Eve.
In a more recent historical context, the quilting market in the city of Kord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, was officially registered under number 12424 in the list of Iran’s National Heritage in 2012.
Hand Quilting: Slow and methodical, done entirely by hand.
Machine Quilting: Using a sewing machine is a popular method.
Free-motion Quilting: Done with free movement, outside a fixed structure.
Long-arm Quilting: Quilting without movement that can be done on any suitable machine.
Carding was once a vital occupation supporting many families, though today the sound of carders in the city’s streets is no longer heard. Their tools were simple: two wooden frames from medlar trees, a small comb, bundles of thread, a needle, and a pack to carry their materials. Carding is the first step in quilting, in which wool or cotton fibers are separated. Historically, carders would go to cotton storage areas or homes to perform their work, disentangling fibers and removing impurities before preparing the cotton for quilting with their tools.
Quilting is an ancient craft embedded in Iranian culture, though it has lost much of its popularity today. Yet, no modern blanket or mattress can replicate the warmth and feeling of a traditionally hand-stitched quilt. Quilting for bridal quilts, traditional mattresses, and other handmade bedding is an art in itself, typically using cotton fibers. Traditional mattresses remain popular due to their unique qualities.
A quilt is a winter covering made from sheep or camel wool, down, or plant fibers like cotton. Layers of thick, densely woven fabric (like calico) are filled with these fibers, then topped with patterned sheets for use as a bed cover. The thickness and choice of fibers vary according to the climate: colder regions require thicker quilts with specific fibers. Natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, are preferred for their benefits, including regulating body temperature for a comfortable sleep. A typical quilt uses 3–4 kilograms of wool or cotton, though this can be adjusted according to individual needs.
Quilt covers are typically made from satin or velvet, with the backing from durable, high-quality cotton. Fine sheets, usually teteron, are essential since the quilts are washed multiple times a year. Quilting begins by cutting calico fabric to twice the size of the intended quilt. The filling is evenly spread on one layer, the second layer is placed over it, and stitching starts along the edges, gradually working toward the center. Stitching patterns can vary—circular, simple, or any custom design. Finally, the outer cover—satin or velvet—is stitched in place. Traditionally, two types of fabric were used for the inner and outer layers, but today a single patterned fabric is sewn into a large bag with the quilt placed inside, sometimes fastened with a zipper or buttons.
Today, this once-vibrant craft is slipping toward oblivion. Many traditional quilting shops have closed, and countless artisans have moved on to other trades.
