Hand made quilts provide warmth, comfort, coziness, and beautiful style

Wedding ring quilts are bedspreads which have a design of rings entwined together. They are very, very popular and make wonderful wedding and anniversary gifts- year- round gifts, appreciated with warmth and fondness.

Based on an interlocking ring motif and among the icons of traditional American quilts, they are almost always multi-color patchwork against white backgrounds; to find a color background is rare.

Produced with much affection for and dedication to the quilting craft, they are made by sewing machine, hand, or both methods and are available in a variety of styles. They are often coordinated with wedding ring style pillows made in pastel or dark colors.

They are known to be one of the most detailed, time consuming quilts to make, with frustrating and time absorbing patterns taking a good deal of effort to craft. The effort expended is well worthwhile, as once completed they are one of the most desired gifts. The effort involved is part of the folklore that makes giving it even more special on the big day.

No Time to Quilt Yourself?

No time to create a quilt yourself? Browse and order online from the sites linked at the top right hand corner of this page. For your convenience, I’ve included several quality merchants with various prices, ranging from as low as $49.95 on up to $198.99.

If you would like to make your gift really special, bring the quilt you order to a local embroidery shop and have the couple’s names sewn into the quilt for that extra personalized touch! It will look like you’ve labored over the quilt for hours and hours, and be remembered and cherished for years to come.

Fascinating History

Their history can be traced back to the 20th century, when it is believed the wedding ring quilt pattern was first used during the civil war. Robert Bishop (whose book “The Romance of Double Wedding Ring Quilts” (Museum of American Folk Art, 1989) remains the definitive source on DWR history) mentions several existing 19th century quilts in the DWR pattern: one in the Shelburne Museum’s collection dated 1825-1850, and one in the Baltimore Museum of Art.

A European tradition encourages engraving the name of one’s intended and the date of marriage on the inside of wedding rings, strengthening the symbolism and sentimentality of the rings as they become family heirlooms. Perhaps some good but unknown man had the idea of a double wedding ring ceremony, and it gave his wife an equally good idea, working two circles into a double wedding ring quilt.

One of the more interesting myths is that the DWR quilt pattern was used as a substitute for real wedding rings, especially when the couple couldn’t afford to buy rings. Many newlyweds today can relate to that, with the financial challenges they face in today’s economy.

What the Rings Mean

The quilt pattern symbolizes the actual wedding rings the couple exchange during their ceremony, and is produced as a gift for an anniversary or wedding. The popularity of the DWR quilt’s design continues as one of the most popular gifts for newly marrieds and those celebrating an anniversary.

It is one of those gifts which is likely to be cherished for years, making it a great idea for just about any couple. The connected rings in the DWR quilt symbolize love, romance, and marriage, hence making the quilt a fondly appreciated wedding and anniversary gift.

Can any gift be more romantic, cherished or admired than wedding ring quilts? Consider making yourself, or having one made for your special new couple, or those favorite friends or relatives who’ve been together for years. It is a great year round practical and romantic gift!
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Of course, making a quilt yourself calls for quality quilting & sewing supplies. Because they make such cherished wedding gifts, and deeply appreciated anniversary gifts, homemade quilts are a lasting treasure.
Quilt making using a quilt pattern, while requiring much time and effort, can be very relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you order quilting supplies and make one yourself or order online (such as an Amish quilt), you can be sure your gift will be used and appreciated for a lifetime!