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

Why don’t you ask her what she wants to see in her quilt, colors, pattern, etc

I have of course. She has given me colors but doesnt specify a pattern. She's not a quilter, that's why I asked here.

How about a feather quilt?

Here's a free pattern (paper-piece).
http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...cing-tutorial/

i did a google search with 'sioux indian south dakota blankets'. got lots of pictures that looked adaptable to quilts. south west and siminole are different.

Is this going to be a baby quilt or one for her? And what colors does she want? If you look up Sioux blanket patterns, they all follow a similar pattern. The Sioux appeared to do more beading than sewing. Those of us with EQ might could help convert a picture you like to a quilt that might work. I still think the Dream Catcher quilt could work.

Check out MichelleWatts.com. She is a quilt and fabric designer of Southwest patterns.

we recently visited South Dakota and while visiting the “ Crazy Horse” monument saw many beautiful lone star style quilts made by the Native Americans living/ working in the area.

This is great because the connection between the Oglala and quilting is strong. I'm a native South Dakotan and have done lots of research on this.

While not originally a native craft, Morning Star quilts (some call it the Lone Star) replaced buffalo pelts in the 19th century. As most are aware of the buffalo started to disappear at the same time reservations started to appear. Missionary people started to teach quilting to the Lakota and the craft adapted to become part of their giveaway custom. A giveaway was and is a beautiful tradition where a family gives away food, clothing, horses (back in the day), and now quilts (formally buffalo pelts) to honor someone's life (funeral) or an important event (birth of a child). When I was in high school during the state basketball tournament, one of the teams gave a beautiful star quilt to their MVP player. The tradition is to drape it across the shoulders of the recipient. When I graduated from college, several tribal members wore star quilts when they received their diploma. The colors can be symbolic (red, white, yellow, black) or artistic. If you every get to SD, stop at Dignity and admire the quilt she holds.

A Morning Star can make a perfect baby quilt. You would follow the pattern of a Lone Star quilt. I've made a few.

If you want to do more research about this tradition, I can recommend a great book: Morning Star Quilts.

Sorry for the history lecture! Let us know what you decide!

Thank you for all the information! It's really helpful

She wants reds, browns, and turquoise at least. Thanks for your offer :)

This is a Lakota Sioux cradle which I think could be converted to a pattern fairly easily.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/634022453764904542/

https://www.swdecoratives.com/shop/Fabrics.htm

I am not Native American, but I have worked with a tribal group for some time. I would suggest that you ask you friend to provide you with some of the symbols of her tribe. For instance the group I worked with used the turtle as one of their traditional symbols. Another source is to view any of their tribal publications. magazines, newspapers, (all online these days) notices on signage near their reservation. There you will find accurate traditional symbols. Most are stylized interpretations of natural objects that could easily be used in a quilt. In my area of Michigan the tribe also celebrates babies in the spring with a strawberry festival and ceremony. (Berries are the shape of a heart) so using strawberries would be appropriate as a symbol or part of the quilting itself.

But in the end to be accurate and sensitive, ask her tribal name and region. Contact the Cultural Department on one of their reservations and you can gain a mountain of information about appropriate use of symbols. You are on a cultural journey. My one caution is don't give her a southwest inspired quilt if her tribe is from say, the mid-west or northeast. It might be well meaning but not sensitive. I would be like giving an Irishman a quilt covered with fleur de lis.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png

Agreed! Her heritage is from a Sioux tribe from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. I'll take your advice and try to get more information. No way was I planning anything with a Southwest theme. What I have seen so far is the Lakota star or also called the Lone Star. Thanks for your input.

Northcott.com has a free pattern called. Sun Valley.

OH, if you want Native American themed patterns please check with Kokopelli in New Mexico. They have the best shop and I stopped there last summer and purchased many patterns and unique fabric. Here is the link: https://www.swdecoratives.com/

Rosebud has some beautiful scenery--perfectly prairie. Here's a link to a video from Akta Lakota Museum that talks about star quilts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZTN3Yz9irE&t=5s

The Akta Lakota Museum is located north of the Rosebud reservation.

http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/Page...e=alm_homepage