Candlewick Spread1847100 1/2 × 91"Cotton with clipped cotton-roving embroideryGift of Cyril Irwin Nelson in honor of Joel and Kate Kopp1991.18.10whole cloth quilt, edges turned over, sewn to back with whipstitch. Central floral motif, leafy vine, hearts in each of four corners; border, vine with leaves.152772797Susan TibbetsTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.CTUnited StatesConnecticutTextileswhole clothTEXTILEcandlewickThis monumental candlewick spread recalls the large-scale motifs and sheared surfaces of early yarn-sewn bedcovers known as bed rugs. The raised designs were made in a technique known as tufting, in which the cotton roving was embroidered over twigs, creating loops on the surface when the twigs were removed. The loops were then cut or sheared, leaving the strands standing in the air. When the textile was washed, the strands fluffed up in a pomponlike effect. Because the technique is applied to large areas rather than small elements in this spread, the tufting gives the impression of a pile. The presence of a name, date, and hearts in each corner indicates this may have been made as a wedding quilt.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Candlewick Spread," exhibition label for White on White (and a little gray). Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2006.18471847 1991 18 1 whole clothTEXTILEcandlewickThis monumental candlewick spread recalls the large-scale motifs and sheared surfaces of early yarn-sewn bedcovers known as bed rugs. The raised designs were made in a technique known as tufting, in which the cotton roving was embroidered over twigs, creating loops on the surface when the twigs were removed. The loops were then cut or sheared, leaving the strands standing in the air. When the textile was washed, the strands fluffed up in a pomponlike effect. Because the technique is applied to large areas rather than small elements in this spread, the tufting gives the impression of a pile. The presence of a name, date, and hearts in each corner indicates this may have been made as a wedding quilt.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Candlewick Spread," exhibition label for White on White (and a little gray). Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2006.