bearisgray

Every so often there is a post asking "What is the name of this block?"

My first thought is "Does it matter?"

I have Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, which is an interesting and informative book.

Some of the things that I've learned:

1) Some blocks have several names.

2) Some names have several different blocks that go with the name.

3) Not every block that has been created is in the book

4) New names are being created for blocks/units that have been around for a long time so they are not in the book.

5) People come up with new variations for old blocks/units so they are also not in that book.

If I am participating in something where a certain block is expected, please provide an illustration of what you want - and, if color, and color placement matter - also provide an illustration of that.


"Friendship Star" is an example of that. There are four blocks with that name in the Brackman book, but none of them match this one: http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...ilt-block.html

SusieQOH

I have researched old blocks and some of the names are funny. I don't think it really matters unless you are interested in the history of quiltmaking, which I am.
And it's changing, of course. It's nice to have a reference book if you are interested in that sort of thing.
I have a book called "The Clues in the Calico" which has helped me a lot because I have some antique quilts.

Monika

I just always assume it is more of curiosity question or a case of "I really like this block and I want to know what to call it." Early in my quilting journey I fell in love with Churn Dash and Bear's Paw, but didn't know what their common names were.

humbird

Some people often see a photo of a quilt they may be interested in making, but will need to know the name of the block in order to help in finding instructions for piecing the block.

Mitty

It's difficult to talk about a given block if you don't know its name. We use the names so that we can say disappearing nine patch or Ohio star and people know what we're talking about, rather than trying to describe what the block looks like or having to post a picture. As you point out, there are some inconsistencies in the names, but it's the best we've got!

Tartan

One of my pet peeves is when todays quilter's rename a block, claim its original and charge to buy the pattern.

toverly

I hate it when they rename patterns too. Someone in my Guild said that in order to print a block or directions they have to change the name. I don't know about that, but when I checked out one of the Stars books on the Kansas City Star printed pattern, I was surprised that the blocks were named by the person who sent the block into the paper. That was back in the 30's.

bearisgray

I agree that having the name of a block is sort of a "shorthand" to what it looks like.

Where I see confusion is when a block name has several different blocks associated with it - and if one is participating in a swap or group project - it is helpful (in my opinion) for everyone that is playing to have the same block in mind.

MeadowMist

I'm guilty of recently posting two posts asking for the name of blocks! My reason is because my sisters and I will be showing some vintage quilts in a quilt show and they asked as part of the description we include the name of the block if known. I don't know how I ever would have found the names of these without asking. I'm also glad to know what they are called as I hope to recreate these quilts someday (when I have time . . . . . . adding it to my long list) and now that I have a name I can easily find the pattern which is much easier than trying to figure it out on my own. I love knowing the names of the older blocks and the stories behind them.

I agree, it's confusing when one block has so many variations and names.

bearisgray

Please don't feel "guilty" for asking what a block is known by. It is a useful method for trying to find directions for how a block is put together.

It's interesting to me, too - which is why I bought Barbara Brackman's book.

I was surprised to learn about the multiple names for some blocks - and how sometimes a name can have several blocks associated with it. (The problem/situation/issue is - I sometimes get easily confused!)