Civil War Quilts

We can use modern fabric to reproduce a civil war quilt because the quality today is the same as fabric produced from 1832 onward. The machines used in textile mills today are automated and digital, but they otherwise haven't changed much since they were first invented. The trick is in getting the right color and pattern. Any fabric pattern produced before the Civil War can be used in a Civil War quilt. Chintz and broderie perse were common in both Union and Confederate quilts. They didn't have special quilting fabric back then. They used clothing fabric. However, in 1830, textile mills began producing chintz panels for quilts. You can also use osnaburg, twill, denim, and wool broadcloth. Reproduction Fabrics sells period cotton fabric from 1775 - 1950. They have a special section for Civil War fabrics.

Northern

Garden Maze and New York Beauty, 1860; New England

A combination of the early New England Garden Maze pattern and the New York Beauty pattern. The inside blocks measure 10” square with all applique work pieced onto linen fabric. Joining blocks of the Garden Maze have a 3/4” border with a 3” white linen joining section. The same double raspberry print is used in the outline of the Garden Maze as is used in constructing the 9 patch blocks of the New York Beauty pattern. The triangles that make up the New York Beauty measure 1-3/8 x 1-3/8 x 1/2”. Created around 1860, this exquisite quilt has been completely executed by hand. The joining blocks have wave quilting, a New England and or Eastern style. The New York Beauty blocks are diagonally quilted in 3/8” grids. The backing is linen and the seams are joined by using a minuscule stitch. A 1/4” binding finishes the edge.

Double Irish Chain, 1865; Ohio

Entirely pieced and quilted by hand, this beautiful and sophisticated Irish Chain Quilt is comprised of hundreds of 1-1/2” squares. The back and front are both constructed using fine cotton fabrics. With most two color quilts one can assume that the fabric was purchased and therefore the family was of comfortable means. The entire quilt has been quilted in a 1" grid and was finished with a 3/8” binding.

Double Irish Chain, 1865; Washington, Pennsylvania