Star of Bethlehem quilt, unknown maker from the United States

Exhibition Label:
"Geometric Abstractions: Quilts 1870 to 1990," Jun-2002, Samantha Schramm
Since the first patchwork quilts appeared in the eighteenth century, stars have been a favorite design for the creation of geometric patterns. Variations of diamond forms are the basic elements of most star patterns, which outnumber all the other designs in their diversity.

The Star of Bethlehem offered a formal and technical challenge to even the most skilled quilters. At the close of the nineteenth century, however, the pattern became less standardized, allowing for individual variations and interpretations.

Archive Label:
A favorite design since around 1800, the Star of Bethlehem offered a formal and technical challenge to even the most skilled quilters. By the close of the 19th century, however, the pattern became less standardized, allowing for individual variations and interpretations.