Pieced and Appliqued Mariner's Compass Quilt Square

Date1840-1870

MediumPlain and printed cottons

Dimensions19 1/2" x 20" (49.5 x 50.7cm)

Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Jason Westerfield

Object number1974.609.18

DescriptionThis is a pieced quilt block of various cottons on a white ground, including striped with black lines, window pane, red printed with yellow, and purple with printed red roses. The pieced sunburst pattern consisting of a large eight-pointed star is known as Mariner's Compass. In the center of the design is an appliqued red-printed cotton in the form an X. Three oblong leaves are appliqued at the end of each of the major eight points of the mariner's compass.
Label TextPiecing involves stitching small cuttings of fabric together to form a larger pattern. This quilt block is pieced in a popular pattern known as Mariiner's Compass.
ProvenanceOther than donor, no futher provenance is known.
Maker is unidentified.