Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Quilt Kitchen / Tea Towel, Linen Cotton Blend
This charming tea towel embellished with a so-called "Honeycomb" pattern exhibits a detail from the earliest wholly pieced American quilt in the Metropolitan Museum's holdings.
Specifications
About the "American Quilt" Design
Elizabeth Van Horne Clarkson (American, 1771–1852) is thought to have made this prismatic creation as a wedding present for her son circa 1830. While pieced quilts were common in 18th-century England, the technique didn't catch on in America until the 19th century, when increased leisure time popularized the craft and small printed cotton fabrics became more affordable.