Ulster American Folk Park

Crazy Patchwork Quilts

Crazy quilts are so-called because of their random stitching together of odd bits of cloth. They grew out of necessity, at a time when every piece of fabric was valuable and nothing was wasted. The crazy quilt grew from its humble beginnings and was adopted by Victorian ladies. With ample time on their hands, they used expensive fabrics to complete elaborate embroidery on the quilt surface (get closer to the quilts by clicking the images).

This American crazy quilt, dated 1884, is an example of the use of embroidered silks and velvets. It was probably made as a hanging for a committee gathering. Many of the patches are embroidered with symbols significant to the group.

This crazy patchwork quilt was made in the 1880s by Catherine Walker from Fermanagh. Catherine emigrated to America in 1890 and it is thought she brought the quilt with her. In 1918 Catherine returned to Ireland and married James Robinson from Lisnamallard, Omagh, County Tyrone. Catherine's quilt is a combination of plain and patterned silk fabric. The quilt was probably made over a period of time, as it contains two very distinct styles of fabric. It may have been finished with fabric scraps she brought back from America.

This crazy quilt was made by Annie Parks, (nee Hewitt) who was born in the Birches area of Portadown, County Armagh. She emigrated with her parents to America. This quilt is made from brightly coloured plain and patterned silks and velvets, decorated with embroidered and painted designs. Between the quilt’s embroidered silk patchwork front, and its cotton backing, are pieces of newspaper from New Hampshire, dated 1887.

Annie’s quilt displays no planned design in its shape or arrangement of colour, but it is rich with varied images and embellishments, making it very much up to date for the 1870s. This was a period when Japanese motifs, such as owls, insects, spider webs, butterflies and fans, began appearing everywhere. Annie died in America in 1950. The quilt became the property of her great-niece back in Ireland. The photograph shows Annie and a companion.

This crazy patchwork tablecloth from County Armagh is made from silk, velvet and satin, mostly in red and green colours. Fan shapes are appliquéd on to the tablecloth and decorated with additional embroidery and beads.

This crazy patchwork quilt, from Ulster, is made from multi-coloured velvets with printed floral cotton backing.

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