Stitching the fabric of unity one square at a time

Image by Hannah Busing

Locating a sense of community in face to face interactions can be difficult in today’s world. Sure, social media connects us to people far and wide, however, it will forever lack that tangible and present bond we find when we meet in person.

For many people, distinguishing between the digital reality and the world we actually live in can be challenging because the two have slowly melded into one. Nevertheless, there are still your hopeless realists who seek to cultivate community interactions and foster a sense of togetherness through face to face contact.

Finding common ground can become a fast and sure way of building a relationship with someone. That commonality frequently presents itself in a shared hobby. Psychological studies have shown that shared interests and hobbies can improve trust, facilitate communication, and reduce stress levels for everybody involved. 

Rooted in rich culture and vibrant artistry, quilting has historically held a communal aura about it. From quilting bees to community quilting projects, quilting holds that touch of togetherness and inclusivity many of us are searching for.

Quilting parties – most commonly known as “quilting bees” – serve as a social gathering for women to convene and work together to create a variety of quilted pieces. The term “bee” stemmed from colonial American usage of it to refer to any form of communal work that benefitted a neighbor. 

Quilting is rooted in a deep and exciting culture. From our great grandmothers to our daughters, quilting has been passed down through generations. Whether it is the actual act of quilting or a blanket that has survived decades, a large sum of American families today are enriched by the culture and history of quilting.

Community quilting projects seek to harbor the aforementioned history and culture by collaborating with other quilting community members. These projects are a collective sewing effort where a variety of community members cultivate individual quilted squares then come together to create one overall piece of art. It is a beautiful collaborative experience that allows individuality to shine through while allowing community to envelop it. 

This collaborative effort is the heart and soul of quilting. It invites diversity in thought, experience, skillset, and so much more to be shared in light and love. These projects will begin with a central theme or goal – providing a shared interest. However, the individuality of each artist shines through as they personalize each quilt square to their style.

In the end, it seems like only one beautiful piece of art is created. But, if you look just a little bit closer, you’ll see the community that was formed within.

“Having a space to form connections with people who have similar interests is important, and quilting does just that. Not only do people get to do the craft they love, they get to meet people with different perspectives and life experiences. This can help people grow in ways they never imagined. Quilting is a great activity, but it’s how you use your skills to form connections with others. We have a lot to learn from people, and I think a quilting club or community gives people the outlet to share advice and change peoples’ lives,” says Corey Pearson, Chief Quilt Artist and Brand Ambassador at Linda’s. 

Last year, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery showcased the “Community Quilt Project,” which featured 14 quilts seeking to express themes of the Black American plight. From Black joy to racial justice, civil rights to Juneteenth and Black liberation; the exhibit cultivated stories of history, culture, love, despair, and so much more through these quilts.

At the American Folk Art Museum, they are frequently calling for community members – regardless of their quilting experience level – to band together and produce a community quilt project that is worthy of their institution and history.

Quilting is more than just a creative hobby; it is a powerful tool of collaboration and history. It magnifies shared experiences and introduces communities of culture. Every stitch strengthens the bond of commonality and every square paints the picture of unity.