Have you ever wondered what kind of design was on the quilts in the homes of people like George Washington, Abe Lincoln, or even Billy the Kidd? Chances are that if they had quilts they probably had some of the popular quilting patterns of the day.
Here are three of the all-time favorite quilt patterns each with a history of its own.
1.
Log Cabin.
The Log Cabin design is a historical quilt pattern that is one of the easiest to recognize.
It uses strips of fabric (logs) as materials to beautify a main square.
The strips are sewn along the edges of the square in different patterns.
This was a favorite of the Wild West and might have been a favorite of outlaws like Billy the Kidd or the brave cowboys who roamed the plains.
Older Log Cabin quilts actually weren't quilted (or even color coordinated).
Instead, they were tied.
This was because they were actually made of scrap fabrics.
2.
Jacob's Ladder.
The Jacob's Ladder pattern is known by a variety of names; Gone to Chicago, the Covered Wagon, and the Underground Railroad are a few names that are used to describe this quintessential pattern.
This quilt design has pre-Revolutionary roots but evolved to its current form in the later 19th through early 20th century.
Similar patterns have been seen on quilts of the Civil War age; and quilts that inspired those 'younger' ones can be seen in the 1700's.
This particular quilt incarnation, which boomed in the 20th century, became a tribute to the Underground Railroad since earlier historians often romanticized it and associated it with books like Uncle Tom's Cabin.
3.
Bear's Paw.
If you ever wondered what Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, or Jefferson Davis had on their quilts, it was probably a Bear's Paw pattern.
A favorite of the 1850's, the Bear's Paw pattern is known for its Sawtooth borders, its block patterns, and of course, its "paw prints.
" Most patterns had four paws with each symmetrical paw pointing in a different direction.
Other quilts had the "paws" that were displayed in circles, while others still had only 3 paws.
It was one of the most varied designs of the 19th century and also one of the most popular.
As a whole, it is difficult to actually trace the roots of many American quilt patterns.
Each quilt is a creation of a different individual, and each quilt has a story behind it.
These designs come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes.
No two historical quilts are ever quite the same.
However, you can definitely draw inspiration from these patterns and make a quilt of your own.