How to Research a Quilt's History

Researching a quilt's history is challenging because many quilts aren't signed or dated, and the use of quilt-block patterns and fabrics have extended over many years. Recording the history of family quilts that have been passed down from one generation to another can be less challenging if someone remembers or has written down the history. Otherwise, a quilt's story must be unraveled by researching designs, fabrics and threads.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Examine the quilt's fabrics to determine the method used to print them. This can narrow down when the quilt was made, but note that some manufacturers produced certain fabrics for many years. Additionally, quilters often saved fabrics over several years and swapped finished quilt blocks with each other that were later made into quilts. Study museum collections and quilt books to learn the history of fabrics.
2. Research when the style or pattern used for the quilt was most popular. This can help determine the earliest possible date when the quilt could have been made. For example, the "Sunbonnet Sue" quilt design was introduced in the early 1900s. The "Double Wedding Ring" design has been popular since the 1920s.
3. Consider the quilt's size. Quilts measuring as much as 10 feet across can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries when beds were often large.
4. Determine whether the quilt was stitched by machine. Elias Howe patented the sewing machine in 1846, but it wasn't in common use until about 1870. Nonetheless, a quilt stitched by machine likely wouldn't predate 1846.
5. Look at the type of thread used to make the quilt. The invention of the sewing machine led to the creation of a six-ply, cotton thread, which was first made in the 1840s. Before that, a three-ply, cotton thread was sold.