Cutter Quilt – What Does This Phrase Really Mean?
I have been obsessed with vintage quilts for the last decade. Once I finally had a family of my own, the warmth, history and values that vintage fabrics represent has been very appealing. The idea of someone cutting, mending and sewing beautiful fabrics with love and artistry is simply too strong for me to resist. I love the history of ancient quilts and quilts and have become an avid student of the characteristics and meaning of each type.
Information on most types of quilts is fairly straightforward, but I still find cutting quilts to be very subjective and mysterious. That’s because the phrase means different things to different collectors, artists, and crafters.
Some see a true cutter as a one-of-a-kind piece made from vintage fabric scraps. Typically, these textiles are old, treasured garments such as ties, christening gowns, wedding dresses, suits, and scraps of lace or velvet. Sometimes the leftovers are more common and utilitarian as a feed bag. Sometimes these pieces are also called crazy quilts. Traders who hold this view of cutters generally see them defined not by their damage but by the type and shape of cloth used.
Others see these types of quilts as nothing more than damaged pieces to be cut out and turned into something else entirely. This is not as bad as it seems. If a piece is truly irreparably damaged, it is advisable to want to save and preserve it. There are only a very large number of turn-of-the-century genuine or textile feed sacks available. Many quilters and collectors love old fabrics, but find a torn or worn piece undesirable.
Still others view a cutting quilt as a valuable bargain-priced antique that just needs to be lovingly repaired and restored. Because some dealers offer discounts on failed parts, many see these items as an unbeatable bargain.
