Native American quilt pattern
 

A co-worker is pregnant and wants to do a Native American theme to honor her heritage. Does anyone have a favorite pattern they've used?

I am not really sure if this is traditional. When I went out west several years ago, their was a Native American craft store and they had "Lone Star" quilts for sale. I did buy one. It was done in pinks and there was also very pretty one done in blues but it was a lot more expensive. This was before I started quilting.

If Native Americans have unique colors just about any pattern could be used, especially ones with stars or something similar. Probably Southwest US colors. Will wait for your quilt to be shown!!!!!

While people of all identities have and do quilt, what we know is mostly a European craft. Seminole Quilting is our best known American indigenous quilting form, from the Florida region. It is, basically, what our entire foundation of modern quilting is based on -- using sewing machines didn't just occur to us in the 1980s. I don't think so well suited for baby quilts, but maybe look at the designs and scale up to more traditional quilting sizes. Hawaiian and Mola applique techniques are also specialized forms.

Here's an NPR story that talks some about the issues and shows some lovely pictures:
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswi...-appropriation

My own favorite Seminole book is
https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Seminol.../dp/157120010X

There are many different native peoples in the Americas, very different cultures, very different climates. I would probably try for more of a feeling through my fabric selections, or pick more naturalistic designs, like maple leaves or maybe flowers. Applique can be great!

When we were learning "history" way back in the 1940's and 1950's - the people already living in North America were only referred to as "Indians".

It was only relatively recently that I learned/realized that the different tribes/nations (forgive me if I am referring to you incorrectly) were very different.

Geography probably had a lot to do with the different ways of surviving.

So - you might consider asking your friend a bit more about her heritage - and go from there.

Sidenote/Editorial:

I graduated from high school in 1959 - so am not aware of what is currently being taught.

I wish I had been more aware of the connections between climate and geography and "history" - I put "history" in quotes because I wonder about the accuracy of the accounts. I have learned more from researched historical novels than I did from what we were fed "way back then".

Generally speaking, there seems to be at least three sides/versions to every event. Person/Side A, Person/Side B, and what really happened and why it happened.

Blank Quilting has free pattern called Desert Dwellers and Desert Trails. They are older patterns, so I am not sure if they are available online. If her heritage is the desert, this may be of interest.

Marvelous designs has a Dreamcatcher pattern that it is very modern looking and is made from Log Cabin blocks and strips of fabrics. It's all the negative space and off center placement that appeals to me. There are a couple of cutting corrections for this quilt. This quilt is on my bucket list.
www.marlousdesigns.com/apps/search?q=dream

This was a quilt set that was for sale years ago. It's basically a strip quilt with oversized blocks in desert colors.

I did ask, and her father was from a Sioux tribe in South Dakota.

Perhaps this well help you: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-...ilts-11108340/

Interesting article on how missionary women taught native American women the craft and art of quilting, and how the Native Americans made a lot of them their own. Of course, each nation has themes that have meaning for them. For instance, the Plains Indians prized buffalo or bison and horses; whom they depended upon for the hunt. Southwest tribes featured many popular patterns of squash blossoms, thunder and lightening, etc for their art themes. Depending upon her nation or tribe, you would pick a them from that group.

What a thoughtful and endearing gift you are considering.

Okay. A Plains Indian: Lakota, Dakota, or Assiniboine. Star quilts are popular among the Lakota too.

some have their own specific designs. ask more information and then search from that. Good luck