Quilt patterns

Coast of Maine Quilts uses traditional American quilt patterns. There are many variations of these patterns, all of which add unique beauty, but we have tried to employ time-honored designs. The names of these patterns reflect experiences integral to traditional American life. Here are the patterns from which you can design your new quilt:

Churn Dash

The Churn Dash pattern originated between 1800 and 1849 and was so called because the triangle and rectangle perimeter of the block resembled a butter churn and the center square resembled the stick (or “dash”) of the butter churn. Another popular name for the pattern is “Monkey Wrench”.

Dutchman’s Puzzle

The Dutchman’s Puzzle pattern originated around 1898.  It, or a variation of it, is often called “Windmill” in reference to the famous Dutch windmills and the spiral of triangles resembling a windmill in the pattern.

Jacob’s Ladder

Many old American quilt patterns were given biblical and spiritual names, reflecting the importance in the American home of the Biblical and spiritual life.  Jacob’s Ladder, originating around 1870, is composed of a series of thirty-six very small squares in patches of four.  The very dark and very light fabric contrasts allow the appearance of “ladders” running across the quilt. Variations of the dark and light arrangement have different names in different regions of the country.  Other traditional names include Road to California, Stepping Stones, Tail of Benjamin’s Kite, Wagon Tracks, or The Underground Railroad.

 

Log Cabin

The Log Cabin pattern is one of the most versatile and well-known traditional patterns.  It originated around 1810-1830.  Its center square is traditionally red to resemble the hearth of a cabin.  The strips of fabric surrounding the hearth resemble logs of a cabin.  The Log Cabin quilt block is built from the center out with each log placed like one is building a home.  The Log Cabin block traditionally includes light fabric strips on one side, representing the joy of home, with darker fabrics on the other side, a reminder of sorrow.

Ohio Star

The Ohio Star includes an arrangement of squares and triangles in a star pattern that originated between 1850 and 1870.  Like many American quilt block names, the Ohio Star reflects political pride.  Alternate names have included Star, Lone Star, Eastern Star, and Texas Star.

Sail Boats

The date of origin of the Sail Boat pattern is not certain, but the origin of its name is obvious from the arrangement of triangles, rectangles, and trapezoids creating the appearance of a ship and sails.  This pattern is dear to us at Coast of Maine Quilts, because our work is centered in Bath, Maine, the “City of Ships”.  While we don’t know the original date of the Sail Boats quilt pattern, we know that settlers in the Bath region at the Popham Colony built the first American ship here, the 30-ton pinnace Virginia, in 1607.

Shoo Fly

The Shoo Fly pattern originated around 1850 and reflects farm life.  One alternate name for the pattern is “Hole in the Barn Door”.  Its arrangement of triangles and rectangles around a center square resembles a hole through which the little pest could enter the home.

Double Irish Chain

The earliest documentation of the Double Irish Chain quilt pattern suggests it originated in America in the early 1800's (Brackman, B. Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, American Quilters Society, Paducah, KY, 1993). It is believed that similar weaving patterns in Ireland inspired it (Judy Anne Breneman. Quilt Patterns Through Time: possible origin of the Irish Chain Pattern, www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/irishchain.htm ). It is made of two blocks, with a solid space between the chains, allowing for a display of elaborate quilting in the solid areas.

Now that you know a little about quilt making, please continue to the quilt designing software