The idea of using a quilting pattern as a guide to making blankets started many years ago. The first quilts were used for their durable qualities, but soon quilts became known for their creative beauty. When this happened, it became fashionable to make quilts together in a quilters guild, or quilting bee. This helped the group to finish quilts and quilt patterns much more quickly, as well as enabling quilters to have a fun time together.

The origins of the quilters guild may have originated in the crusader era. Quilt fabric was placed under knight's armor, to protect their bodies from the heavy metal. Quilting fabrics were often thicker and held together better. In Egyptian paintings and archeological sites, it also looks as if they used quilts to keep warm at night. But this is not known for sure, as the use of quilts for knights is known. The quilting guilds may have been formed to make such armor padding quickly. Men were probably the first quilter professionals, but ladies soon took over and made it an art form. By the 1700 and 1800s, quilting was used as a way to tell how accomplished a lady was at sewing and embroidering. Actually, some older quilts were all one piece, with the quilted pattern on top. Patchwork quilts did not get invented until later, probably out of necessity, and then became popular. Everyone would have scraps of cloth, and what better way to use them than in making a beautiful quilted blanket?

The quilters guild of today is a fun way to get together with other like-minded people, and the older, more experienced members coach the newer members on things such as quilt patterns, quilt sets, how to machine quilt, handmade quilts, patchwork quilts, and different techniques to make quilting easier. Many quilting guilds will also have fundraising shows, where the quilters sell their quilts and raise money for activities that the guild members might want to do. Some guilds are so large that they are a national or even international organization.

Some quilting guilds offer quilting books in which they publish the quilting tips that their members have found to be the most helpful. Some quilting guilds charge membership fees, while others allow people to join for free. If you are not lucky enough to be in an area that has a quilting guild, then you might want to look into purchasing some books on quilting that would be able to further you in your quilting journey. Of course, many quilting shops also give lessons on a periodic basis, so taking a few of those would probably help as well.

A quilters guild can help those who wish to be better quilters or just someone who wants to learn more about the craft. Quilting is such a wonderful pastime, and handmade quilts are quite beautifully. Some areas do not have quilting guilds, but might offer classes. If you are interested in becoming a better quilter, then looking into these classes would be a good idea.