American History Quilt - Vintage Redwork/Embroidery Pattern

The American History Quilt was a mail away pattern of the 1940's, American Home Pattern #56.

This pattern includes twenty historical scenes, a quilt layout diagram, quilting design (a star), and instructions. 

For this coverlet, you will cut each piece square from muslin to the size of 10 3/4". As pictured, the finished quilt is approximately 72" x 86".
  • Colonial Ships
  • Rock 1620
  • Indian and Colonial Man
  • Liberty Bell
  • Betsy Ross
  • Paul Revere
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • River Boat
  • Lewis and Clark
  • Wagon travel
  • Indian T-Pee
  • Log Cabin
  • Gold Rush
  • Stagecoach 
  • Washington Monument
  • Army General
  • Washington, DC
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Man at War
  • Flight/Airplane

Block #6 - redwork embroidery

 

When you are ready to make a square, print it out and trace the design directly onto your fabric, using the method which suits your style best.  Per instructions of other patterns of the day: Fold the pattern to determine the center and "Slip a piece of carbon paper underneath - the sticky side facing the material - and trace the pattern carefully with a very well pointed pencil"

Today you can also use an inexpensive transfer pen available in sewing and craft stores. To aid in tracing you can use a quilting light box, or well-lit window as women of previous generations did.