July 19, 2010- Antique coverlets as the name suggest are the coverlets that are retro or old in style, design and appearance. Earlier people used to make the coverlets by hand without giving it to the professional hands. Antique coverlets now a days have become very popular as people want to have these as a part of their hobby and also for decorating their homes.

Some original antique coverlets are also available that are bought by many individuals as they have the habit of collecting antique coverlets for antique bedding. They use these as a piece of decorative artifacts and hang these on the windows The antique coverlets can also be used as a table cloth but you will have to protect it with the table cover.

Colonial times in America sees the number of antique coverlets as during this time the American weave was beginning to develop along with American quilting. Cotton and woolen coverlets were getting very popular that used to be less decorative that the quilts.

The nineteenth century antique coverlets for antique bedding were made use of the imported indigo and madder dyes and made from the local wool. To make these natural dyes were also used. The most popular weaving pattern was overshot. But along with this double-weave was also popular.

Popular Antique Coverlet Collections

The Zongor collection of Antique Coverlets

The Zongor collection of antique coverlet is featured in the Coverlets at the Gilchrist: American Coverlets 1771-1889. These antique coverlets for antique bedding have geometric pattern with double weave and summer & winter structures. The Zongor collection of antique coverlets is the oldest known collection of coverlet that dated back in 1771.

Winterthur and Colonial Williamsburg Antique Coverlets Collection

Winterthur and Colonial Williamsburg Antique coverlets collection is modern than the Zongor collection as its period is 1889.

Jacquard Antique Coverlets

This came into existence with the Jacquard loom that was invented after its French inventor. This enabled the weaver to make the antique coverlets in different and more intricate designs. This happens in 1800s. With this the antique coverlets had become more of decorative entity at home that just a functional entity. SO if you want to create an antique bedding representing the 1800-1860 era then the jacquard antique coverlets are must to have item.

Museums for Antique Coverlets for Antique Bedding

The National Museum of the American Coverlet (NMAC)

This is the first museum to have the American woven coverlets. It is located in in Bedford, Pennsylvania. In NMAC changing exhibitions, 50 or more antique coverlets are displayed.

www.coverletmuseum.org/collections.htm

The Alling Coverlet Museum

This museum has the largest collection of the American hand woven antique coverlets. Hand woven coverlets from 1820 to 1880 in all styles are displayed in an extraordinary collection. Apart from the antique coverlets collection the collection also has a Quilt Room, spinning wheels, looms and different other assorted weaver’s tools.

Address 122 William Street, Palmyra, New York
www.historicpalmyrany.com/allingintro.htm

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center not only keeps the antique coverlets but also many distinctive gifts. All these are displayed from time to time in the exhibitions.

Address 307 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA
www.history.org/

Antique Coverlets Weaving Pattern

Overshot Weave in Antique Coverlet

This is a very thick and loose weave in which the wefts (horizontal threads) pass over at least three wraps. Because of the loose weave it is also known as floating thread weave.

Double Weave

Very heavy antique coverlets are made this weave as to make this weave two sets of wefts and two sets of wraps are used.

Summer-Winter Weave of Antique Coverlets

In this one side of the antique coverlet is dark and the other side is light. This is a tightly woven single, single and reversible weave.