Quilt Patterns

Quilting History - How Patterns Have Come About

Most quilt patterns have several names. For example a "Jacob's Ladder" pattern, something of a stair-step motif, is also called "Road to Chicago", "Road to San Francisco", "Underground Railroad" or even just "Stepping Stones", to name a few. The common theme in these patterns? Going somewhere.

Another common pattern theme? Biblical references. While "Jacob's Ladder" is just one, consider the quilt patterns such as "Walls of Jericho", "Garden of Eden", "Job's Tears" or "Dove at the Window". These, and many other patterns are taken from the Bible, are all very distinct and complex patterns that came from an era when Bible reading was a daily ritual, especially among women of the age. The early American women were taught to read – but were expected to read only the Bible. In addition, society in general placed the church in high regard. Visitors from Europe were often surprised by the number of churches found in "the new world" and the diversity that existed. Americans of that time were much more apt to believe that God affected their daily lives. This is probably the reason that so many classic quilt patterns have a Biblical theme.

Another theme that emerged with great popularity was the quilt patterns of the Civil War era. Quilts were often sold at auctions and fairs to raise money for the war effort – a fundraising technique found on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line.

The "Log Cabin" design was especially popular in the northern states, given the history of Abe Lincoln and his boyhood spent living in a log cabin. But patriotic quilt patterns depicting eagles and flags were also very common. The patriotic quilt patterns used in the making of what were often referred to as "gunboat quilts" were extremely popular in the south - where the money raised by raffle for such an heirloom would often go toward the purchase of an actual gunboat. These were often sold off at fairs or auction set up specifically to aid in the southern war effort. The gunboat quilt was often made up of broderie perse flower quilt patterns appliquéd on them.

Of course women, both north and south, made quilts for their soldiers. And it wasn't uncommon for an existing quilt to be divided and made into three cot quilts. So many quilts were made by both sides, that soon the quilt supplies were depleted and money had to be raised just for the fabric to make soldiers quilts. In all, an estimate 250,000 quilts were made, just by northern women alone.

It became especially difficult in the south. Despite an abundance of cotton, the fabric manufacturers were, for the most part, in the north. So ladies had to learn to spin their own fabric. In fact, one popular song proclaimed, "Three cheers for the homespun dress the Southern ladies wear."

Childrens' quilts in the 19th century were basically miniature versions of the quilts made for adults. The wealthy made small versions of the fine quilts they created for full sized beds while less affluent women made more humble quilts for their small ones, often with scraps left over from other sewing and quilting projects.

But the evolution of children's quilt patterns would parallel the changes in, of all things, literature for children. Well into the 19th century most homes had only the Bible and perhaps "Pilgrims Progress". Essentially these were books on morality for people of all ages. Other books written for adults but enjoyed by children as well were "Robinson Crusoe" and "Gulliver's Travels." In the second half of the nineteenth century books were first published specifically for children. Motifs from books like "Uncle Remus" and "Heidi" began to appear as patterns on quilts. Toward the end of the century various storybook patterns were made, these included crazy quilts with images from stories on them. By the 20th century childrens quilt patterns had become a genre unto themselves.

In 1940 Marion Cheever Whiteside Nation founded her company, "Story Book Quilts". Over time she designed more than 50 quilt patterns picturing stories and other themes. Stories like, "Alice in Wonderland" could be told in appliqué on a quilt. These quilts often alternated appliquéd blocks with plain ones. Women could buy patterns, kits and even finished quilts.

One of the best examples of quilting come from the Amish. Amish quilt patterns are an expression of frugality. They not only serve a practical, functional purpose, but the patterns serve as a form of entertainment as well.

Many times groups of women gather for a quilting bee. The bee is a form of socialization and relaxation for these women. It's a time when they can get together to visit and "catch up" with one another once their household duties have been completed.

More recently, this social gathering has turned into a business enterprise for many Plain women. Cottage quilt industries are springing up throughout Lancaster County. Many Amish and Mennonite women have opened up small shops in their homes to subsidize the family's income. Many stay at home moms around the country are taking their hobby and turning it into extra income, a business, and full-on enterprises.

The history of quilts like the history of any subject is fraught with fascinating detail and wonderous turns. Each pattern and each quilt itself has or will have a history with a story all it's own.