I did a little research to find out the story behind the Bear’s Paw Quilt I started so many years ago. The Bear’s Paw block is well over 100 years old and possibly originated in pioneer America. It is related to the sawtooth border, which first appeared in many mid- nineteenth century quilts as a strip around the edge of the quilt and later, in blocks. (See example of a sawtooth border below) I personally imagine a creative woman designed the block from her impression of bear tracks near her cabin or perhaps, some wilderness trail. Regardless of how it actually came to be, the pattern has survived through the years and remains a very popular traditional pattern. In pioneer America, quilters who wanted to make a quilt for someone who was planning a dangerous undertaking often chose the Bear’s Paw design.
Sawtooth Border
As a longarm quilter, I see many different types of quilts. Although I am a Civil War quilt enthusiast and love traditional blocks and reproduction fabrics, I have a deep appreciation for contemporary quilts as well. I have learned through my years of quilting for others that every quilt has its own story to tell. Sometimes traditional quilters have little appreciation for the symbolism in a contemporary quilt and vice versa. To follow my line of thought regarding traditional vs. contemporary, even traditional blocks like the Bear’s Paw are abstract designs made up of various geometric shapes to show someone’s concept of a bear’s track. In other parts of the United States where ducks are more common than bears, the Bear’s Paw is known as Duck’s Foot in the Mud. In Pennsylvania where Quakers (also known as Friends) settled, it is called the Hand of Friendship. A 2009 quilt I recently quilted left nothing to the imagination at all with a realistic bear appliquéd on the quilt top.
Realistic Bear Applique
Bear's Paw, Duck's Foot in the Mud, or Hand of Friendship?
These pictures further illustrate my point that every quilt tells a story based on the designer’s imagination and her creative use of shapes and patterns. Each one is special in its own right, wouldn’t you agree? -Cat
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