Quilting has been a widespread craft activity in North America since the first European settlers arrived more than 400 years ago. Since then, many patterns have waxed and waned in popularity. Most of them are still useful and attractive. Here are some of the most common historical quilt patterns.

Popular Quilting Patterns Through History

1. Log Cabin

The log cabin pattern was popular with pioneers on their way to settle the American West. At the pattern's center is a red square that symbolizes the warmth and security of home—the settlers' ultimate goal. Around this center square is a series of concentric, narrow strips that represent the logs of the cabin.

The quilt is divided diagonally through the middle into a dark half and light half, which represents the rising and setting of the sun over the cabin. Because of this, the pattern is sometimes called Sunshine and Shadow.

2. Remnant

The remnant quilt is perhaps the oldest and least-structured pattern. It features scraps of any fabrics the quilter has on hand. Often, the remnant quilt is the final step in the recycling process of work clothes, baby blankets, draperies, dishcloths, and other pieces of fabric. The remnants can be of any size, shape, or color and are joined together in any manner the crafter sees fit. The resulting quilt is comprised of multiple pieces that have their own histories, giving the whole quilt a unique story.

3. God's Eye

The God's Eye is one of several quilt patterns—e.g., Jacob's Ladder, the Garden of Eden, the Crown of Thorns—with overtly Biblical names. These reminded ocean-crossing settlers and westward pioneers of their faith and provided them comfort. The God's Eye features a white center square with concentric rings of alternating color—sometimes in unusual shapes. Quilts were often used as burial shrouds, so the religious names also offered solace to the bereaved.

For all your quilting supplies, stop by Appletree Quilting Center, a full-service sewing shop in Columbia, MO. They have been serving customers in and around Boone County for nearly 35 years. They also offer fabric, sewing machines, sewing accessories, and even sewing machine repair. Visit their website to reach out online, or call (573) 446-2655 to ask about pricing, product availability, or store hours.