Inspired by traditional quilt patterns of the nineteenth century yet in a modern setting, the Cherry Tree was one of around 25 quilt designs. The WPA workers executed it with invisible hand appliqué stitches, with the appliquéd stems, leaves, and cherries outlined with hand quilting stitches. The borders framing the cherry design are machine stitched. The pattern designer, Julia Loomis, admitted that they often made patterns overly challenging to execute with mitered corners in the borders and fine applique, because they had plenty of time and workers to execute such details.