Junior Rasmussen
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is steeped in history and tradition. The pattern, featuring interlocking rings, symbolises the union of two people during a wedding ceremony and has long been a symbol of love, romance, and commitment. The design is thought to date back to the 15th century, reminiscent of the Gimmal ring, a popular engagement ring where two interlocking bands were joined during the wedding ceremony. The motif has also been found on 4th-century Roman cups and is similar to the familiar Celtic knot motif.
The Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern first gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially during the Great Depression, when it was created using scraps of fabric, providing comfort and hope during challenging times. Traditionally made by mothers and grandmothers as wedding or anniversary gifts, these quilts are often treasured and passed down through generations.
Today, the pattern continues to evolve, with modern quilters adding their own creative twists, experimenting with fabric choices, colours, and backgrounds. The Double Wedding Ring quilt remains a beloved and challenging project, a true labour of love, that symbolises the intertwining of two lives.
What You'll Learn
History of the double wedding ring quilt
The Double Wedding Ring quilt has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. The design is reminiscent of the "Gimmal ring", a popular engagement ring where both the betrothed would wear a ring during their engagement, and the rings would be interlocked and worn by the wife during the wedding ceremony. The motif has been found on 4th-century Roman cups and is similar to the Celtic knot motif in the Western world.
The Double Wedding Ring quilt was first published in the United States in the early 1920s, though the pattern can be found as early as the late 19th century. It has long been a symbol of love and romance, with the interlocking rings symbolizing marriage. Traditionally, the quilt was made by mothers and grandmothers for their children and given as gifts on their wedding day or anniversaries. The quilt was especially popular during the Depression era, as it could be created using scraps of fabric from unused bedding or other projects.
The first time the quilt was called the "Double Wedding Ring" was in Capper's Weekly on October 28, 1928. It was designed by Mrs JD Patterson of Wellington, Kansas, and could be ordered from the publication for 15 cents. However, the pattern was also published around the same time by Ruby Short McKim in the Weekly Kansas City Star on October 31, 1928, though she did not refer to it as the "Double Wedding Ring" until her 1931 catalogue, "Designs Worth Doing".
The Double Wedding Ring quilt remained popular throughout the 1930s, with publications across the US printing the pattern and selling it for as little as 15 cents. The design was so well-loved that it even earned a separate category for "best wedding ring quilt" in a 1931 quilt show in Parkville, Missouri.
Today, the Double Wedding Ring quilt is still a cherished tradition, often passed down from generation to generation and remains a challenging and rewarding project for quilters.
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Symbolism of the quilt
The double wedding ring quilt is a symbol of love, romance, and marriage. The interlocking rings represent two people becoming one during a wedding ceremony and the union of marriage. The quilt is often given as a wedding gift or to celebrate an anniversary, symbolising the love and commitment between the couple.
The design is thought to have originated from the 15th-century gimmal ring, a popular engagement ring where each betrothed would wear one ring during their engagement, and then the rings would be interlocked during the wedding ceremony for the wife to wear. The motif has also been found on 4th-century Roman cups and is reminiscent of the Celtic knot motif in the Western world.
The double wedding ring quilt is also associated with the Germanic people who settled in the United States in the 17th century, as the pattern appeared on coverlets, ceramics, and other decorative objects.
The quilt's popularity peaked during the Great Depression, as it could be created using scraps of fabric, providing a sense of comfort and hope during a difficult time. The pattern's resourcefulness and creativity were highly valued, and its intricate design and technical demands made it a labour-intensive quilt, reflecting the time, effort, and care put into creating a special gift for loved ones.
The double wedding ring quilt holds a rich history and symbolism, making it a cherished heirloom for many families. It embodies the enduring power of love and the artistry of quilting, capturing the imagination of quilters across the United States.
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Popularity during the Great Depression
The double wedding ring quilt pattern, with its interlocking rings symbolising marriage, unity, and the intertwining of two lives, became especially popular during the Great Depression. This was likely because it is a "scrap-friendly" pattern, allowing people to use their existing fabric stashes, old bedding, or clothing to make a special gift for newlyweds. During this challenging economic period, friends and family of the newlyweds often couldn't afford to buy new fabric or give costly gifts.
The double wedding ring quilt pattern, with its rich history and symbolism, provided a sense of comfort and hope during the Great Depression. It allowed quilters to create meaningful gifts while being resourceful and creative with their limited materials. The pattern's popularity during this era also aligned with its association with romance and love, as it was often made as a wedding gift or passed down through generations.
The practicality of the double wedding ring quilt pattern during the Great Depression cannot be overstated. It allowed quilters to make the most of their available resources while still creating a beautiful and cherished gift. This practicality, combined with the symbolism and timeless look of the pattern, contributed to its enduring popularity even beyond the Great Depression era.
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Construction and challenges of the quilt
Constructing a double wedding ring quilt can be a complex and challenging endeavour, making it more suitable for experienced quilters. The pattern consists of interlocking rings that are typically appliquéd or pieced together. The curved edges and bias seams require precision and attention to detail. It is not uncommon for quilters to find the process frustrating, especially when it comes to piecing the melons to the centre curvy hourglass piece.
The double wedding ring quilt pattern is intricate and labour-intensive, demanding patience, skill, and dedication. It is not recommended for beginners due to its complexity and technical demands. However, with the right tools and techniques, the process can be made easier. Using templates or a die set can simplify the cutting process, and working on improving curved piecing and precise cutting techniques before attempting the full quilt can also help.
The design of the quilt allows for a lot of creativity in terms of fabric choices, colour schemes, and background options. While traditional quilts often feature a white background and colourful fabric for the rings, modern quilters have experimented with bold colours, alternative backgrounds like black or blue, and a variety of fabric prints and textures.
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Modern interpretations and variations
Fabric Choices and Colour Schemes
Modern quilters experiment with diverse types and sizes of fabric, as well as bold colour choices, to create designs that reflect their personal taste. While traditional quilts often featured a white background and colourful fabric for the rings, modern versions may incorporate alternative backgrounds, such as black or blue, and a range of fabric prints and textures.
Innovative Design Elements
Quilt designers like Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Judy Niemeyer have pushed the boundaries of the double wedding ring pattern by incorporating techniques like appliqué, paper piecing, and innovative design elements. Their work showcases the versatility and adaptability of this timeless pattern.
Modern Fabrics and Colour Palettes
Some modern quilters combine contemporary fabrics and colour palettes with the traditional design. For example, using a medium grey background with light-shaded rings creates an elegant and modern aesthetic.
Complex Designs and Motifs
The Bali Wedding Quilt, for instance, adds complexity to the classic design by incorporating star points around the rings and using batiks to give the quilt a bohemian flair.
Dark Background Variations
Another variation involves using a dark background, such as charcoal, to make the rings and appliqué flowers stand out. This creates a striking contrast without being overwhelming.
Modern Abstract Designs
Abstract designs, such as the Modern Abstract Bicoloured DWR Quilt, utilise only two colours to add a modern twist to the traditional pattern. These designs often incorporate quilting techniques to further enhance the contemporary aesthetic.
Embellishments and Appliqué
The Embellished Double Wedding Ring Quilt features intricate needle-turned circle appliqué pieces within the rings, adding a sweet and delightful touch to the traditional design.
Ombre Fabrics
Using ombre fabric is another popular choice for modern quilters, adding movement and dimension to the rings.
Garden-Inspired Themes
Appliqué vines, flowers, and leaves complement the double wedding ring design in garden-inspired variations, creating a beautiful and natural motif.
Solid Colour Overload
Using only solid colour fabrics in the design, such as in the Modern Solid Colour Overload DWR Quilt, results in a striking and modern quilt that captivates the viewer.
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Frequently asked questions
The double wedding band quilt is steeped in a rich history and is often given as a gift to newlyweds or those celebrating anniversaries. The interlocking rings symbolise the union of marriage, with two people becoming one.
The design dates back to the 15th century with the gimmal ring, a popular engagement ring where each partner wore a ring during their engagement, and then the rings were interlocked and worn by the wife after the wedding. The motif has been found on 4th-century Roman cups and is reminiscent of the Celtic knot motif. The pattern was first published in the US in the 1920s but can be found as early as the late 19th century.
The pattern became especially popular during the Great Depression as it could be created using scraps of fabric from old bedding or other projects. It was a practical and meaningful way to repurpose materials during a challenging economic period.
The construction of the quilt is complex and challenging, making it a project better suited for experienced quilters. It consists of interlocking rings that are typically appliquéd or pieced together, with curved edges and bias seams that require precision and attention to detail.
