Quilt, Blue Wool Wholecloth

Date1800-1825

MediumWool, cotton

DimensionsOW: 83"; OL: 93" with 15" x 17" cut-outs at foot corners.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-1057

DescriptionT-shaped bed quilt of plain-woven indigo blue wool reversing to plain-woven textile woven with natural cotton warp and rust-brown woolen weft. Quilted design consists of diagonally positioned triple lines forming diamond lozenges, each of which is centered with a four-petal pinwheel shaped motif, or a "fylfot," alternating with diamonds with curved edges. Wool batting.
Label TextAmericans made wholecloth quilts using imported glazed worsted textiles, the latter given their sheen under heat and pressure applied by presses. At the same time, professionally made quilts were being imported by British merchants. It is not known whether this was made in America or imported.The bottom corners of this quilt have been cut out to accommodate the foot posts of a tall-post bedstead.