"Cheater Cloth"
What's in a name?
Cheater cloth is one of those fabrics
that goes by many acceptable names. Also known as, "faux patchwork",
"printed patchwork", "geometric chintz", "simulated
patchwork" these imitation patchwork designs were often made into quilts.
These printed chintz and calico patches imitate various shapes and sizes
found in pieced quilts of the time.
The development of cheater cloth
began around the 1830's. I have seen a quilt dated 1838, that contains 3
different cheater cloth fabrics set in an alternate strip setting making
up the back of a quilt. The trend continues today as many fabric designers
are influenced by the pieced quilts of yesterday to simulate the look of
an earlier style in a printed patchwork design.
On this page you will see many
samples of cheater cloth, from a personal collection. Try to date (within
a 25 year span) it. Click on each image to test your dating skills, and
to see a larger view of the fabric.
HAVE FUN!
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1997 - Deborah Roberts. No part of this page may be copied or reproduced
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