Barn Quilts can be traced back to the start of our country. It is thought that early European immigrants may have brought the idea with them. Originally barns were not painted but had pieces of artwork hung on them to identify the owner and location.

Quilting was a craft and skill taught to young women in the home. Eventually examples of the “Quilt Blocks” began showing up on barns. Barn Quilts are simple geometric shapes (quilt blocks from quilting patterns) that are painted on wood and hung on buildings. Although most are traditionally displayed on barns, they can be and are hung on various buildings including homes, cabins, yard barns and even stores.

It is believed that this style of painting quilt patterns directly onto the wood and then hung onto barns originated in Pennsylvania and spread to the other colonies.

During the Revolutionary War, “Barn Quilts” were used to show American forces that an area was safe, secure, and supplies were available. Years later during the Civil War, the Underground Railroad used Barn Quilts for the same purposes.

The common barn size is an 8ft X 8ft panel. They have also been created and used in other sizes 4ft X 4ft, 2ft X 2ft and even 1ft X 1ft for indoor display. There is no limitation in design or colors. Most artist follow the quilt design, but some have added representations of farm life or agriculture vision

Roger and Denise Lynch, Chairs, Three Sister/Welcome Home Garden