Innovation In Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-Cut Fabrics' Impact on Quiltmaking

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to develop an understanding of how the innovation of pre-cut fabrics impacted the Under 45 Quilter’s processes, quilt designs, and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. The effect of pre-cut fabrics on contemporary quiltmaking has been a neglected area of scholarly research. This research advanced the understanding of shifts in quiltmaking and the relationship between historical and contemporary practices of quiltmaking. A review of the literature discussed the impact of previous innovations on the evolution of quiltmaking. Background was provided on pre-cut fabrics, based on information from literature as well as interviews with industry professionals. Core values of quiltmaking were identified from the literature and categorized into three aspects specific to quiltmaking: processes, designs, and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. A mixed methods approach was used with multiple data sources, including interviews with 14 Under 45 Quilters, quilt photographs, five industry professional interviews, and participant observation. Data were analyzed through a grounded theory approach to find emergent themes on how pre-cut fabrics impacted quilters’ processes, designs, and connections to the historical craft. The themes identified were categorized under the three aspects of quiltmaking. Results showed that pre-cut fabrics were pivotal for the Under 45 Quilter’s sustained engagement in the craft of quiltmaking. Pre-cut fabrics redefined the traditional relationship with the fabric stash through purposeful buying and collectible eye candy. The Under 45 Quilter’s aesthetic preferences were affected by pre-cut fabrics, as seen through simpler quilt designs with a variety of fabrics. While the Under 45 Quilter found ways to be creative within the constraints of pre-cut fabrics, pre-cut fabrics were also limiting to design capabilities. The quilters’ selection of quilt designs and fabrics reflected the influence of pre-cut fabrics. Pre-cut fabrics contributed to a reworking of traditional patterns for contemporary techniques. Pre-cut fabrics also influenced how the Under 45 Quilter adopted quiltmaking. The interrelationships among the resulting themes of this study showed the scope of the effect pre-cut fabrics had on the Under 45 Quilter and quiltmaking. There was a shift towards efficient, quick completion, which caused changes to the aesthetics of quilt designs. Historical connections to traditional quilt designs potentially were being lost. For the Under 45 Quilter to maintain a historical connection to quilting, traditional designs needed to be presented in pre-cut fabric friendly techniques and modern colors. The findings of this study contributed to theory development on the relationship between innovations and quiltmaking. The study illustrated how pre-cut fabrics fit into the values and lifestyle of the Under 45 Quilter, and therefore impacted their quilt designs and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. The Under 45 Quilter was looking for solutions that accommodated their lives and allowed them to enjoy a creative and meaningful craft. Using pre-cuts, the Under 45 Quilter could quickly finish quilts, which helped sustain their engagement in the craft of quiltmaking.