Quilt Pattern Identification
Identifying quilt patterns is simplified by breaking the pattern down into its basic structure. Most quilts are made of identical blocks repeated for an overall pattern. Learning to see the underlying structure of a quilt and the quilt blocks that comprise them is a matter of practice once the quilter learns what to look for. Learning to recognize the basic categories starts the process of identifying quilt patterns.
Other People Are Reading
-
One Patch Patterns
-
The simplest quilt patterns consist of only one shape repeated exclusively within the quilt to make the overall pattern. These shapes are normally hexagons, triangles, squares or trapezoids, drinking cup shaped, known as a tumbler in quilting. Quilts utilizing a one-shape format use the leftover scraps quilters accumulate from other sewing projects.
Four Patch Patterns
-
The most basic subdivided block is the four patch. Each quilt block is made up of four equal squares. Each square may have additional divisions within that single unit but it will finish as one of four equal squares that make up the total block. By twisting and turning the simple four patch blocks within the overall quilt, secondary patterns emerge. Playing with coloration of the individual blocks can create optical illusions.
-
Nine Patch Patterns
-
Nine patch is a block that is made of three blocks across by three blocks down for a total of nice squares within the overall quilt block. Hundreds of patterns originate from this simple block. Double Irish Chain, where the very center block as well as the four corners are all subdivided into small nine patches of their own, is very popular. Depending on how the quilter manipulates fabric patterns, as well as color, the Double Irish Chain can take on many looks.
Five- and Seven-Patch Patterns
-
Five patch quilt blocks are consist of five equal units across and down. The many possible subdivisions possible within the smaller units make for thousands of unique combinations. Seven-patch quilt blocks are much the same, with seven equal divisions both across and down the finished block. Quilts made out of seven blocks can get very complex because of the many possibilities.
Identification
-
New patterns continue to emerge, but they are usually derivatives of traditional, already cataloged blocks. When viewing a quilt, study it to discover the underlying block structure. Quilt block patterns within any reference material are grouped in categories as described above to aid in narrowing the search. Use a good reference book, such as "4050 Pieced Blocks for Quilters", Encyclopedia Of Pieced Quilt Patterns" or resources available on the Internet to identify the block.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Blue and coral quilt block background image by Bluebird from Fotolia.com
