An Introduction to Durham Quilts
~ For Further Reading Booklist See Below

Durham Quilts, named for the area of Northern England in which they were first produced, are also known as North Country Quilts. Rich in quilt-making tradition, these Durham Quilts use the method of patterns stitched through the layers of the quilt. They have a top, a back, and what the British call “wadding,” (“batting” in the United States).

The Durham quilt makers are known for the unique subtle sculptured quality of these quilts that until recently were stitched by hand.  Today’s Durham quilts are made using conventional sewing machines and quilt boards or frames.  Two styles of Durham quilts have become well known—the whole-cloth quilt and the strippy quilt.

The whole-cloth quilt uses only one fabric on the top; however, the length of the fabric can be stitched together due to bed size needs.  The stitching of the lengthy fabric was discontinued in the late twentieth century when wider fabrics became available.  This single fabric design was then a sort of "palate" for the artist or quilter to show off their quilting skills, devoid of any appliqué or piecing  Each Durham quilt was uniquely different from any others produced—even by the same woman, as their artistic stitching skills varied from quilt to quilt.

The Durham "strippy" quilt was created using broad strips of different fabrics blended in required colours  Similar to the Amish quilt, the strippy quilt (strippy is a common term used in North Country, England) has specific colour combinations.  These include red and white, pink and white or green and white.  Unlike the whole-cloth quilt, the strippy quilt was somewhat restricted as to patterns and sewn together fabrics to achieve the standard design.  Arranging fabric strips in different ways allowed the strippy quilt to remain unique while still providing intricate designs and stitching and staying true to the strippy quilt pattern.

These two quilt styles, originally created in Durham, were dominant to the area; however, the quality and uniqueness spread to other parts of England and the United States where quilting was a common practice.  Each original Durham quilt used curvilinear design and patterns and scalloped outlines.  Popular patterns used leaves, flowers and feathers in their design—the most desired being the feather and rose motif Durham Quilt.  To create the border patterns, each quilter used twisting cables and wavy lines and ovals on the edges to create their unique quilting expression.

The creation and popularity of these quilts goes back to the Industrial Revolution in the late eighteenth century.  Prior to that quilts were produced more as a professional trade—not an artist trade.  Durham women found artistic expression through their popular quilts using inexpensive fabrics affordable to Durham’s modest economy.

The history and uniqueness of the Durham quilts travelled over the Atlantic Ocean to the United States where some Amish and Mennonites used the Durham tradition until they developed a style of their own.  Durham or North Country quilts are available in many quilt shops and outlets in Britain and the United States and can even be found on e Bay. Now considered a collector's item, these Durham quilts were originally produced for practicality but the quilter’s  style and artistry made them unique, beautiful quilts that show expression along with wonderful quilting skills.

For further information about Durham Quilts the following books (available from Amazon) may be of interest:

Amy Emms Story of Durham Quilting
 by Pam Dawson
(Paperback-ISBN:0855326697)

This method of quilting, rooted in the traditions of Northern England, is illustrated and clearly described by Amy Emms.

For Amazon US ~Click This Link:  
Story of Durham Quilting 

For Amazon UK ~Click This Link: 
Story of Durham Quilting

                                                              For AmazonCA ~Click This Link: 
                                                              Story of Durham Quilting

A Collection of Durham Quilts
by Muriel Martin
(Paperback-ISBN:1863512500)

A rich mix of tradition and living design, these dazzling quilts evoke the author's ancestral Northumbria and capture her family history in unique patterns. Including five small quilts, two cushion covers, and a table runner, this collection should inspire stitchers to develop their own creations. Quilt a lovers' knot; a fan and wheel; the flowing Allendale feather; and other timeless designs. With the basic techniques outlined, and advice on fabric and wadding, you'll sew personal heirlooms for years to come..

For Amazon US ~Click This Link: 
Collection Of Durham Quilts

For Amazon UK~Click This Link:
Collection Of Durham Quilts 

For AmazonCA ~Click This Link: 
Collection Of Durham Quilts