Crazy Quilt by Susan McCord, circa 1895

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Artifact Overview

In the late 19th century, decorative "crazy" quilts -- made from silk, velvet, and wool scraps stitched together "crazily" and embellished with embroidery -- were all the rage. Susan McCord made three crazy quilts -- this is only one she completed. McCord pieced the top, skillfully embroidered nearly every block, added filler and backing, and then tufted the three layers together with wool yarn.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Crazy quilt

Date Made

circa 1895

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

73.120.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wool (Textile)
Cotton (Textile)
Silk (Textile)
Batting

Technique

Applique (Technique)
Piecing
Embroidering
Tying
Hand sewing

Color

Multicolored
Brown
Red
Tan (Color)
Blue

Dimensions

Height: 76.5 in
Width: 70.25 in

Specifications

Pattern: Crazy Quilt
Number of Pieces (top): 36 foundation pieced blocks
Fabric (top): Wool in solid colors, woven plaids, stripes and florals, cotton fabrics, wool and silk combination fabrics
Piecing Technique: Hand pieced
Number of Pieces (back): 5
Fabric (back): Cotton
Stitches per Inch: Not quilted
Quilting Pattern: Tied with wool yarn
Quilting Technique: Not quilted
Binding: Back to front, corners butted
Batting: Medium loft cotton batting
Note(s):
Crazy Quilt by Susan McCord, circa 1895