How to Identify Basic Quilt Block Patterns in Quilts

There are four basic quilt block patters that can be identified in quilting. Each quilting pattern has its own history and background. The quilt patterns are easily identified due to the unique characteristics in each that help to identify each of them.

1. Identify the Wedding Ring pattern is a pattern that has a unique double circle that is combined on four squares. This quilt block pattern was created in Topeka, Kansas and was first recognized in 1928. This Wedding Ring pattern has been created with many different variations, but all of the variations include the double rings that loop to connect four squares in the quilt block. 


2. Identify the Dresden Plate pattern by noticing the unique characteristics on the pattern. This includes an elaborate design, which was common during the Victorian era when this pattern was created. The Dresden Plate pattern has round plate designs on each quilting square. The designs on the plates vary and contain fruits and flowers sometimes, but always contain very elaborate designs. 


3. Recognize the Flower Basket pattern by its center and several shapes that surround the center. When looking at the entire quilt as a whole, the flower stands out. It is not visible when looking at each individual quilt square. These quilts can be created using several different fabric designs, but they always have a center with shapes surrounding the center that act as the flower pedals. This was a popular quilting pattern thought to be found around 1855.


4. Look at the quilt and if it has a pattern on each quilt square that starts in the corner of the square and fans out onto the square, this is considered a Fan pattern. This pattern was commonly seen in the early 1900's. The Fan pattern quilt typically looked as if a fan were in each square of the quilt.