Star Quilt

This pieced quilt features an eight-sided star pattern in the center known as the “Star of Bethlehem”, one of the most popular designs in the 19th century. The large overall quilt size, the dominance of the star pattern, and the cut out corners (which accommodate a poster bed) are typical of a quilt from this early period. The complexity of this star pattern requires advanced needlework skills, since careful planning and piecing are necessary to make the design even and lay flat. This quilt includes a wide variety of floral and geometric prints, and this variety reflects the time and monetary resources available to the maker. The use of multiple fabrics demonstrates how advances in roller printed textiles and dye chemistry influenced quilt designs. As more affordable cloth became available on the market, quilt patterns became more complex and used a greater number of fabrics. The excellent condition of this quilt would suggest it was used only for special occasions.