Indonesian Arts and Crafts

by Lesley Riley, Something has kept you from making an art quilt. Maybe it’s the word “art” that has stopped you. Perhaps the endless products and embellishments seem overwhelming. Whatever the reason, there is only one solution—just begin. With a few simple tools, a little fabric, and a desire to play, you can create a small art quilt of your own design. Don’t let a lack of formal training hold you back. The most important quality that you can bring to your art quilt is your own vision.

An art quilt is an expression of your own individuality. It can draw on traditional patterns and techniques, but the end result is a totally new—unique to you—design. The beads, paints, transfers and other applications are there for your use if the spirit moves you—if not, save them for another day. In fact, because art quilts are not meant for “use,” and therefore will not be washed, you are free to experiment with non-traditional methods and materials. There is no right or wrong. To get you started, I will lead you through the processes I used to make two small and simple art quilts.

When you are ready to move on to bigger, more complex things, there are many excellent resources available (see “Resources”). You may even decide you want to take a class on design or learn about specific quilting techniques that will enhance your new passion. But keep this in mind—many wonderful art quilts have been created by self-taught artists and quilters. Don’t let a lack of formal training hold you back. The most important quality that you can bring to your art quilt is your own vision. Good workmanship is important, but it should not inhibit your creativity, especially when you are just starting out. Perfectionism should not be pursued at the expense of creativity, learning, and enjoying yourself. I like to tell my students, “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.” Confidence, certainty, and expertise come from doing what you love over and over and over again. So let’s begin.

Art quilts generally follow the same construction techniques as a traditional quilt :
1. The quilt is composed of three layers: top, batting, and backing, also known as a quilt “sandwich.”
2. The quilt top is created by one of three methods: piecing, appliqué, or whole cloth.
3. The three layers are held together by stitching, tying, or fusing.

You do not need to own a sewing machine to make your first art quilt. Just like our ancestors, you can sew your quilt entirely by hand. But unlike those women before us, you can now create a quilt entirely by fusing. Fusing is a term for joining fabric using an adhesive material that is activated by heat from an iron. Quilt fabrics backed with a sheet of fusible webbing, such as Wonder Under, can be fused together to create a no-sew art quilt. Optional hand-stitching can add depth and detail.