Editing Patchwork (section)

==Structure==
There are three traditional structures used to construct a patchwork or pieced composition: 1) the block, 2) overall, and 3) strip piecing. Traditional patchwork has identifying names based on the arrangement of colors and shapes.

===Blocks===
Patchwork blocks are pieced squares<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/pieced.htm| title = Quilting History}}</ref> made up of colored shapes that repeat specific shapes to create [[pattern]]s within the square or block of, say, light and dark or contrasting colors ([[motif (textile arts)|motif]]). The blocks can all repeat the same pattern, or blocks can have several different patterns. The patchwork blocks are typically around {{Convert|8–10|in2|cm2|abbr=on}}. They are sewn together in stacked rows to make a larger composition. Often strips of contrasting fabric forming a lattice separate the patchwork blocks from each other. Some common patchwork block names are [[Log Cabin (quilt block)|Log Cabin]], [[Drunkard's Path]], [[Bear's Paw (quilt block)|Bear's Paw]], [[Tulip (quilt block)|Tulip]], and [[Nine Patch (quilt block)|Nine Patch]].

A unique form of patchwork quilt is the crazy quilt. [[Crazy quilting]] was popular during the [[Victorian era]] (mid–late 19th century). The crazy quilt is made up of random shapes of luxurious fabric such as [[velvet]]s, [[silk]]s, and [[brocade]]s and buttons, lace, and other embellishments left over from the gowns they had made for themselves. The patchwork pieces are stitched together forming "crazy" or non-repeat, asymmetric compositions. Fancy [[embroidery]] embellishes the seam lines between the individual, pieced shapes. The crazy quilt was a status symbol, as only well-to-do women had a staff to do all the household work, and had the time to sew their crazy quilt. Traditionally, the top was left without lining or batting. Many surviving crazy quilts still have the newspaper and other foundation papers used for piecing.

===Overall===
[[File:Handicraft made of suffolk puff.jpg|thumb|253x253px|Suffolk puffs]]
Overall patchwork designs are incrementally pieced geometric shapes stitched together to form a larger random or composed design. The colored shapes can be randomly pieced or follow a strict order to create a specific effect, e.g. value (light to dark) progressions, or [[checkerboard]] effects. Names such as Hit or Miss, Clamshell, back-stitch, needle weave, criss-cross, and Starburst identify some overall patchwork structures.

Round pieces formed by cutting a circle of fabric, gathering the edges with a running stitch and pulling them tightly shut are known as Suffolk puffs in the United Kingdom due to the Suffolk wool used to pad them. In the United States, the pieces are called yo-yos. The origin date of this type of piecework is unknown, but it was popular in the United States during the [[Great Depression]] and in the United Kingdom after [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.quilt.org.uk/quilt-140-2004_1_B+suffolk+puffs+table+coverlets.html |title= 2004-1-B suffolk puffs table coverlets |work=The Quilt Association|access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= The Needlecraft Style Directory|last= Whittle| first = Sarah| location = North America| publisher = Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.| page = 79| date = 2013| isbn = 978-1-4380-0103-6}}</ref> These round pieces can be joined with several stitches on the sides to connect other puffs together and form a coverlet or other items. Scrap pieces may be used, or colors may be coordinated into patterns.

===Strip piecing===
Strip piecing involves stitching together pieces of fabric in repeat patterns into long strips and then stitching the strips together lengthwise. The patchwork strips can be alternated with strips of contrasting colors. A typical strip patchwork quilt is the [http://newquilters.com/four-patch-quilt-blocks-strip-piecing-tutorial/ Four Patch] pattern.