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Quilt 1953-396
Quilt, Red Wool Wholecloth
Quilt 1953-396

Quilt, Red Wool Wholecloth

Date1800-1830
OriginAmerica or Wales
MediumWool
DimensionsOverall (L x W): 77 x 91 in. (195.6 x 231.1 cm) 4 running stitches per inch
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-396
DescriptionRectangular wholecloth quilt made of plain-woven, rust-red wool. The quilting is done in a series of squares alternating between a flour-leafed medallion with hearts, a fern leaf, and overlapping circles. The two top rows and two bottom rows alternate between the leafs/hearts and fern leaf only. The next row on either side has a single square of overlapping circles on the left side, then alternates between the leafs/hearts and fern leaf only. The center row alternates between the leafs/hearts and overlapping circles only. The left side has a thin border of zig-zag quilting. The quilting is held in running stitches, four to the inch. The quilt is backed with pink-tan wool in a coarse twill weave. The top and bottom are finished by turning the edges of the fabric to the inside and securing with a running stitch. The sides are bound with a strip of the face fabric.
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.
Markings"RR" in blue wool cross-stitch on reverse.