Quilt Block Names
The interesting names given to quilt block patterns are rooted deep in the history of the United States. It is easy to see the influences upon quilters of the past by studying the names that they have given to their quilt patterns. The strong biblical influence is apparent from the large number of blocks with religious names such as Jacob's Ladder or Job's Trouble. The hardship of the pioneer can be seen from blocks with names such as the Rocky Road to California. The aspects of everyday life led to blocks with names like Churn Dash and Log Cabin.
Many quilt patterns have several different names. A pattern known by one name in New England may have had a different, more significant name to the quilter in the Midwest. Sometimes old names were changed for commercial purposes. Each generation of quilters adds its own varitaions to an old art form.
From Trades and Occupations
Anvil, Saw-Tooth, The Ship's Wheel, Carpenter's Wheel, Monkey Wrench, Water Mill, Chips and Whetstones, The Dusty Miller
Outdoor Life and Nature
Garden Maze, Autumn Leaf, Spider Web, Rolling Stones, Ocean Wave, Flying Geese
Square Dancing
Eight Hands Around, Swing in the Center
Politcal Influence
Clay's Choice, Whig Rose, Fifty-Four-Forty or Fight
Biblical Names
Job's Trouble, Job's Tears, Joseph's Coat, Jacob's Ladder, Wonder of the World, World Without End
We have thousands of pages, search here if you haven't found what you're looking for yet.
World Wide Quilting Page