PATCHWORK

Patchwork is a technique of creating a fabric from small pieces of cloth of different colour, pattern and texture sewn together into a single composition. Historically it was a thrifty craft — a way to give scraps and worn clothing a second life — that later became a decorative art in its own right. From the patches one assembles quilts, bags, jackets and skirts, forming geometric designs (from simple squares to complex 'stars'). Patchwork demands precise cutting and sewing so that the corners meet perfectly. In contemporary fashion it is prized for its ecological idea of upcycling, the uniqueness of each piece and the bright, 'patchy' aesthetic of handwork.