When I really want to feel nice and cozy, I wrap myself up in the quilt my mom passed down to me from her mother. In that time, I can just feel the extra dash of love that went into every stitch!
After all, it takes a lot of patience to complete one — especially by hand, like so many have done for centuries in their homes. It's also the perfect way to keep your family warm by using nothing more than the scraps you have left over from other projects, which was likely what made the blankets such an essential part of most homes in the 19th century.
Take a look below to see just some of the stunning examples of quilts from the 1800s that were crafted with care, and of course, a ton of talent!
Do you remember seeing any of these patterns passed down in your family? Did we miss one you cherished from back in the day?
Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
Thumbnail sources: Wikimedia Commons / Irving Rusinow, Photographer
1. Riley Family Quilt
Origin: Maryland, USA
Year: 1847
Sisters Martha, May, and Margaret Riley from Baltimore teamed up to patch this beautiful blanket together.
2. Field Of Diamonds Quilt
Origin: USA
Year: 1860
Though they know it was made by an American in the late 1800s, the exact origin for this colorful design remains a mystery.
3. Barn Raising Quilt
Origin: Massachusetts, USA
Year: 1879
A woman named Mrs. Herrick stitched this incredible combination of darkness and light.
4. Circle And Stars Quilt
Origin: USA
Year: 1875
I bet this precious pink design was perfect for a little girl's room back when it was stitched.
5. Sunshine And Shadow Quilt
Origin: Illinois, USA
Year: 1870s
Rebexy Gray used contrast in her log cabin pattern to give a lovely, homey feel.
6. Windmill Blades Quilt
Origin: Ohio, USA
Year: 1890
This take on the log cabin color-blocking pattern definitely resembles the blades of a windmill.
7. House Medallion
Origin: USA
Year: 1880
Whoever created this charming design was clearly feeling quite patriotic!
8. Star of Bethlehem With Pomegranate Trees
Origin: New York, USA
Year: 1850
I can imagine how cozy it was for the original owner to curl up into this Christmassy design featuring classic yuletide colors when the holidays rolled around.
9. Double Irish Chain
Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
Year: 1880-1890
Another contribution from the Mennonite community, this time embracing a traditional Celtic design.
10. Foundation Rose And Tulips
Origin: Likely Pennsylvania, USA
Year: 1865
I would absolutely love to have a floral design like this hanging in my home.
11. 'Contained' Crazy Quilt
Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
Year: 1880
You can't deny that the title for this 19th century quilt fits to a T!
12. Ocean Waves Quilt
Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
Year: 1880s
This vibrant blanket was created by a group of Mennonite women just before the turn of the century.
13. Kantha Quilt
Origin: India
Year: 1800s
This stunningly ornate design was made in Bangladesh, formerly known as East Bengal, India, before they gained independence in the 1970s.
14. Flying Geese And Bars
Origin: USA
Year: 1835
You can really see where the inspiration for the title of this lovely design came from.
15. Hoagland Presentation
Origin: USA
Year: 1855
The bright geometric patterns in this design almost make me dizzy — but I can't look away!
Which pattern is your favorite? Do you remember seeing any like these passed down in your family? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
