Known in the Deep South as a “britchy” quilt due to its use of recycled trousers, this quilt is typical of African American quilts celebrated in recent decades. Anglo-American women from New Mexico have made similar quilts, calling them “Britches” quilts, yet these examples are never referred to as “white quilts.” The common link between these communities is a socio-economic status that encourages thrift and reuse.

Pattern: 
Britchy Quilt
Maker: 
Catherine Somerville
Circa
1930
1950
Made in
Aliceville, Pickens County
Alabama
United States
72.5
69
IQM, Robert and Helen Cargo Collection
2000.004.0116