Textile Quilt
Discover the vibrant colors and patterns of traditional African fabrics! Create a classroom textile quilt that explores diverse cultures.
1. Choose a culture. Research various textile patterns, colors, and motifs traditional to groups of people living in various African countries. Ghana, for example, is known for both its Kente cloth and Adinkra cloth. Nigeria’s Yoruba people are known for their beautiful Adire cloth. Study photographs or samples of these fabrics.
2. Sketch possible designs with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. It’s easy to make changes. Just erase! Choose at least one design to make a replica for a class quilt.
3. Cut quilt pieces. Choose light-colored cotton or 50/50 cotton/polyester fabric. With Crayola Scissors, cut squares and rectangles of fabric that will fit together on your quilt. Be sure to include a wide border around each patch.
4. Create the quilt. Use your Crayola Fabric Markers to create beautiful African patterns on each quilt patch. Arrange them on a quilt-size backing. Ask an adult to carefully stitch patches together. Your magnificent multicultural quilt is for display, so there is no need to heat-set the colors.
5. Write labels for each unique pattern. List the name of the textile art, the country from which it came, and other information you learned about the pattern’s origin. Display labels with the quilt.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- Students research traditional fabrics of various African countries.
- Students draw colorful patterns and motifs that resemble traditional African fiber arts.
- Students collaborate with classmates to create a beautiful and informative quilt.
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