A Visual Pattern Index of Figured & Fancy Coverlets

The Visual Pattern Index is an ongoing effort to create a “field guide” to the commonly recurring motifs and patterns in figured & fancy coverlets. It is a perennial work in progress, with new patterns being identified regularly and added to the database. The McCarl Gallery has an open-access policy regarding research and scholarship; as such, the incomplete pattern index is freely available to view online although the project remains in the early stages. The gallery below presents a small sample of designs with historically identifiable pattern names.

The Pattern Index is divided into several subsections, which are accessible through tabs at the bottom of the document. Motifs are the individual pattern elements that can be combined with others to form a pattern. The Layout refers to the way these elements are visually combined, and it can be a useful way to categorize patterns. Repeating centerfields use pattern units that are mirrored and/or repeated to make up the main body of the coverlet, while Center medallions are coverlets with a single large, symmetrical design. Borders may go around three or all four sides.

  • Agriculture & Manufactures

  • Bird of Paradise

  • Christian and Heathen

  • Double Roses & Blossom

  • Eagle & Stars (or "Cavalry")

  • Eagle Medallions

  • The Farmer's Fancy

  • Frenchman's Fancy

  • Frenchman's Fancy

  • Grapes

  • Hempfield Railroad

  • Lilies of France & Diamond

  • Peacocks Feeding Young

  • Washington ("United We Stand")

What’s it like to work on the pattern index?

Play the coverlet matching game to get the idea. Note: matching coverlets can feature the same pattern while being different colors. If you’re up for a challenge, try the harder version.