Within the world of fabric art, Amish Quilting is in a class all by itself. Amish women brought this unique form of design from Europe when settling here in the 1800’s. The very simplicity of these quilts is what makes them stand out. Their bright bold colours and dense, highly intricate hand-stitching knows no equal.
Bright and bold, yet soothing to the soul, they are without a doubt a ‘jewel in the crown’ of quilting.
Here is one unique interpretation…
Amish Rose
An interesting combination of modern and traditional design, the following pattern is known as Amish Rose. Sweet in simplicity, and compact in size, this tapestry measures 40″ x 40″. Although pieced by machine, its top is entirely hand-quilted in keeping with Amish tradition.
The focal point is an arrangement of 144 triangles of varying shades and hues. Each individual triangle is quilted with black thread to better blend in with the background fabric. They are aligned into one large square and subsequently rotated on edge, forming an overall triangular design. This configuration is both intriguing and pleasing to the eye. There is no sense of ‘busy-ness’ despite the wide palette of colour. Rather, an aura of calm and peace prevails.
The ensuing serenity is what Amish Quilting is all about. Reflecting as it does the modest simplicity and humility of Amish community life.
Four roses, each with a corresponding leaf motif, occupy the corners. They complement the now triangular centerpiece, offering it placement and definition. A close-up picture shows the density of hand-quilting. No space, however small, is without some form of stitching pattern.
This style is known as ‘echo-quilting’. For the stitching ‘echoes’ the fabric configuration of each rose and leaf. And continues to outline these shapes around, until the entire space is completely filled in with a densely hand-quilted design.
The border, also seen here, is of the same intense black fabric. However, instead of the black thread used elsewhere within the piece, the hand-quilting of the border is done in threads of contrasting colours. Green thread comprises a vine and leaf motif. While red thread defines the floral buds and blossoms using embroidery and French knots.
This differing choice of thread colour provides a frame for the quilt. Thus adding yet another layer to the piece which stands out – even as it blends in – with the surrounding shapes and colour scheme.
And here is the completed quilt. A pleasing display of many colours, blending together in one singular array. It’s bright and bold in presentation. Yet also soothing and restful to the eye. A true Amish delight in every sense of the word!
3 thoughts on “Amish Delight”
The article is high-quality and insightful.
This site continues to be a go-to.
That was fun! It brought back memories of the mid 1990’s when my then young children and I took trains from Massachusetts to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to spend a week vacationing at two Mennonite B&Bs while touring through the Amish community there. It was a most memorable trip!
Take care, Bev. Stay warm!
Sounds like that was a wonderful trip – such lovely memories all these years later!!!
I’m staying warm here – shoveling snow does that to ya!! lol!!!
Take care on your end – and be well.
God bless!