The Fascinating History of Amish Quilts

Each community is different, but the old order Amish usually restrict themselves to plain clothes, traditional technologies, and very conservative religious beliefs. But Amish quilting is one area where a stark utilitarian need to stay warm during brutal Midwestern winters has also led to some beautiful, intricate, and, yes, even colorful artwork.

Amish communities spread across Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and the Great Plains in the 19th and 20th centuries, and developed their quilting along the way. Given their conservative views on gender roles, Amish women were responsible for quilt-making. The Amish rarely use electricity, so hand-stitching remains the technique of choice. They often worked in groups, with relatives or friends, and quilting was likely a regular part of their chores.

At first, quilts were mostly made for family use. Aside from standard bedding, mothers and grandmothers would make quilts for baby cribs or even for dolls. But quilts also became important goods for sale. Amish quilts are known for being hand-made and very high quality.

Amish quilts were sometimes as plain as the usual Amish clothing, using the same dark colors and simple but effective stitching. As time went on, though, Amish women adopted more intricate patterns and techniques, even adding more colors. Amish communities avoid changing to suit the outside world, but when a new technique falls out of fashion it’s sometimes considered fair game. So over time, Amish quilts have changed and developed, but usually a couple of decades behind the rest of the country.

The result is handcrafted quilts with strong geometric designs and bold solid colors that make them uniquely valued.

Is quilting a part of your family story? You might have a work of art hiding in your attic right now. It can’t hurt to take a look!