Solving Quilt Mysteries

QUILT MYSTERIES

Solving the mystery of a quilt’s age can be a fascinating experience for the quilt lover, museum curator, or family member tracing ancestor’s history.  However, it takes some time and study to become familiar with particular characteristics about quilts that will help you date them.

Many aspects, such as style of pattern, type of fabric, color of fabric, type of batting, methods of construction, and type of binding determine the particular era a quilt originates.

• When trying to discover the date of a quilt, look at each part – the top, back, lining, colors, pattern, design.  Various types  each were used at different periods of quiltmaking
• Study quilts whenever you have the opportunity and learning more about the history of them.
• Read books on quilt history.
• Look at old quilts in museums, at shows, in galleries, and in photos to become familiar with the fabric, colors, patterns and workmanship of different eras.
• You’ll want to acquire some knowledge about old fabrics and learn which ones were popular in particular eras of quilting history. 
• The fabric colors of a quilt help in dating its age. 
• If a quilt is machine stitched, it means it could not have been made before about 1850 because the sewing machine was patented in 1846.
• Various patterns were introduced and popular at specific periods.
• The lover of old quilts will find it fascinating to learn how to solve the mystery of a quilt’s age and will be on the lookout for these antique treasures wherever you go.

In a future article, I’ll give you some resources for dating quilts.