Pieced Quilt Square

Date1850-1870

MediumPrinted and plain cottons

Dimensions9 1/2" x 9 1/2" (24.2 x 24.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number1973.609.1

DescriptionThis quilt square is composed of four cross pieces of a red and brown floral print; four triangles of stripes in brown, rust, cream, blue, and white bands decorated with tiny geometric human figures; and in the center a cream colored square. It is backed in a cream colored cotton. The interlining is cotton.
The square is quilted in running stitches 9 per inch in a pattern of triangles, becoming larger as the stitches move toward the center, finally turning into unattached, straight lines. The center square has two quilted lines forming a cross.
The center of the reverse contains the tiny initials "EKR" embroidered in cross stitches in gold thread.
The edges of both the pieced front and white backing are neatly turned under and sewn.
Label TextPiecing involves stitching small cuttings of fabric together to form a larger pattern. The top textile of this quilt block is quilted to a cotton backing with cotton batting between the layers. It is marked on the reverse, possibly for the maker, in gold cross stitches, "EKR."
MarkingsInitials "EKR" on reverse in gold cross stitches