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Completed Quilt
The Underground Railroad Quilt Codes | |
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| As a novice quilter, I enrolled in quilting class, The Underground Railroad Quilt, instructed by Debra Hanes, at the P.G. Sports
and Learning Center in Landover, Maryland. I was reintroduced to the history of slavery and the significance of Underground
Railroad Quilts as a means of communication. The class project was to produce a quilt with the
symbols used to communicate with the runaway slaves. Below are some of quilt blocks I created with their meaning. | |
Monkey WrenchSlaves knew it was time to gather their tools, mental and physical, needed for the long journey to freedom. |
 Wagon WheelPack things that would go in a wagon or used in their travels. |
 Bear's PawFollow the bear tracks which would lead to water and food. |
 CrossroadsMeet at the main crossroads of Cleveland, Ohio |
 Log CabinQuilt pattern with a red center indicated a safe house or a warm hearth. |
ShooflyDress up in cotton and satin Bow Ties. |
  Bow Ties or Hour GlassSomeone to be trusted or among friends. |
 Flying GeeseIn the spring, follow the geese northward. |
 Drunkard's PathWalk in an unusual manner; make your tracks difficult to follow. |
 Tumbling Blocks or BoxesThe tenth quilt pattern was associated with "packing up and moving on" |
Other Quilt Symbols | |
 North StarThis symbol directed the slaves to look for the constellation drinking gourd (Big Dipper) which pointed to the North Star which lead them northward. |
 BasketCollect food items in a basket. |
Sailboat |
 Jacob's LadderBased upon the biblical story of Jacob. |
 Nine PatchBasic quilting block |
 Broken Dishes |
Resources:
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In addition to using several web sites as
references on the Underground Railroad Quilt codes, the primary reading was Hidden in Plain View: A
Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline Tobin
and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D.
