Beijing Women's Federation

A recent episode of the Experience Chinese Culture with Smart Lady, a live-stream program sponsored by Beijing Women’s Federation (BWF), showcased techniques of a patchwork artist in Beijing and introduced patchwork culture to netizens across the globe.

Jiang Xiaodan (left) interacts with overseas audience during the Experience Chinese Culture with Smart Lady live-stream event.

Passion for Patchwork

Jiang, a graduate from the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University, fell in love with quilting when she attended the China (Beijing) International Patchwork Art Exhibition in 2017. Later, she received professional training on the handicraft. During the past few years, she has been awarded by some patchwork art festivals in recognition of her excellent skills.

An award certificate won by Jiang Xiaodan in the 2019

Jiang is keen to draw artistic inspiration from daily life. The themes of her work include the COVID-19 prevention and control, environmental protection and people’s daily lives.

A patchwork created by Jiang Xiaodan to show global unity and determination to win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic

A patchwork created by Jiang Xiaodan to inspire reflection on environmental pollution in the ocean

A family-oriented patchwork created by Jiang Xiaodan

In her work with the theme of a busy and peaceful family life, Jiang has leveraged her advanced techniques to convey profound emotion. People can find images of sweet memories of home, delicious food and the dream of her daughter in her patchwork creation.

Integrating Rich Elements

During the live-stream event, held on July 15, Jiang talked with overseas audience about the history and development of Chinese quilting and the characteristics of American and Japanese patchwork.

According to her, Chinese quilting can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and its birth was closely related to the ancient Silk Road and the rise of Buddhism. Ancient Chinese quilting techniques include baina (for clothes and quilts), duixiu (for thangka and Buddhist wall decorations) and xiangxiu, a popular style of patchwork in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

Jiang Xiaodan works on her patchwork during the live-stream event.

Jiang said Chinese patchwork artists have formed their own styles — characterized with unique Chinese elements — since international quilting industry influenced the country about 10 years ago. She emphasized the importance of the establishment of industrial associations to promote the development of the sector.

Jiang Xiaodan (C) demonstrates how to make patchwork during the live-stream event.

Jiang believed it is important for craftspeople to expand their influence online. When she had to stay at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, she taught patchwork crafts through live-streaming courses, collecting nearly 10,000 followers on the short-video platform Douyin (China's TikTok) within three months. 

Jiang Xiaodan (L) speaks during the live-stream event.

The live-stream was held in Fengtai Women and Children’s Social Services Center, where Jiang taught handicraft classes.

The Experience Chinese Culture with Smart Lady event was launched by BWF and Guangming Daily in 2016 to make inspiring stories of women in Beijing known overseas.