Quilting isn’t just stitching fabric together. It’s storytelling. Every block, every shape, every fabric choice can hold a deeper meaning, especially in traditional quilts passed down through generations.
When I create a quilt, I’m not just preserving memories from t-shirts or clothing. I’m also connecting to a long history of symbolism in quilting. Some blocks have been used to celebrate family, signal safe passage, or represent the maker’s hope for a better tomorrow.
Here are a few of my favorite quilt blocks and the meanings behind them:
Log Cabin
This block is all about home. The red center square traditionally symbolizes the hearth, the heart of the home. It’s a block that speaks to warmth, comfort, and stability—things we all want in life. If the center is black, some say it represented a safe house on the Underground Railroad.
Flying Geese
More than just triangles in motion, Flying Geese blocks are often associated with direction and migration. Historically, they were believed to signal safe paths or changes ahead. I love using this block when someone is starting a new chapter, like graduating, retiring, or moving to a new place.
Bear Paw
Strong, bold, and full of movement, the Bear Paw symbolizes strength and guidance. It was sometimes thought to point the way for people escaping slavery, following the path of the bear through the wilderness. Today, I think of it as a sign of resilience and courage.
Nine Patch
Simple, balanced, and classic. The Nine Patch is all about community and tradition. It was often the first block new quilters learned because it teaches symmetry and precision. When I use a Nine Patch, I’m honoring the roots of quilting and the generations who quilted before us.
Rail Fence
This block uses strips to mimic split-rail fences and symbolizes boundaries and protection. It’s a reminder of safe spaces, of the homes and fields people built and defended. I like using it in memory quilts when someone wants to preserve the feeling of being surrounded by love.
More than Fabric
Quilt blocks carry stories, and when I sew them into a quilt, I feel like I’m adding another chapter. Whether you’re a quilter yourself or someone trusting me with your memories, knowing the meanings behind these blocks makes the quilt even more special.
Want to explore more quilt blocks or create one with symbolic meaning just for you? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you tell your story through fabric.