African American slaves used many disguises, signals and codes to navigate the Underground Road to freedom. Quilts with patterns of secret codes, symbols and designs were stitched into fabric squares to pass hidden messages to and from slaves on their journey. The use of quilts not only provided secrecy but also protection and were an intricate part of survival. Slaves who were escaping and those who were helping them in this very dangerous flight, were subject to fines, imprisonment and/or physical punishment if caught. Very few quilts survived over the years due to harsh lye soap and grueling wear and tear of the outdoor elements, including the disinterest of such a utilitarian object - the quilt. Patterns and designs from modern day quilters preserve their memory as they retell the stories of those brave individuals who risked their lives in search of freedom.
Local artist, VET, welcomes you to participate in a series of ten (10) quilting workshops, entitled Freedom Quilt Codes, to be held throughout the city of Dallas. Come create quilting blocks from fabric using traditional symbols and techniques, as you learn the hidden codes used by slaves and abolitionists. These are FREE workshops but you must register to attend.
Complete registration form and click drop down selection bar for details on each upcoming workshop.
VET - Freedom Quilt Codes is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs -- Community Funding Program and private donations.
Quilt Images
Flying Geese – follow the direction of geese flying during spring migration. AKA Dutchman's Block, Pin Wheel, Jacobs Ladder...
Monkey Wrench – prepare the tools you will need on your journey to build, navigate and defend yourself. AKA Wrench, Snails Tail, Churn Dash, African Churn...
Crossroads - destination of several routes to freedom. Sometimes referred to last stop in Cleveland, Ohio where slaves would board a boat to Canada. AKA Card Trick, Diamond Back...
Log Cabin – this is a safe house. Signal may also be drawn on the ground to indicate it is safe to seek shelter and/or talk in this place. AKA Roof Top, Bright Hope, Pig Pen, Court House Steps, Congolese Square...
Drunkard’s Path – go another way, danger in this area, slave hunters nearby; go in a zigzag path. AKA Double Path, Wanderer in the Wilderness, Rocky Road to Kansas, Soloman's Puzzle, Endless Path...
Wagon Wheel – prepare to board the wagon to begin the escape. AKA Aster, Wheels, Friendship Ring, Dresden Plate, Grandmother's Fan, Yoruba Spiral, Congolese Circle...
Bear's Paw - watch for bear tracks,, there is food and water nearby. AKA Bear's Claw, Paws, Canada Maple Leaf, Crown...
Shoofly – there is a friend who will help you along your journey. AKA Flies, Hole in the Barn Door, Amish Double Shoo-Fly, Lincoln Platform, Churn Dash...
Bowtie – a change of clothes is available or needed as a disguise. AKA Hour glass, Broken Glass, Broken Dish, Necktie, Spool ...
North Star – follow the northern star and navigate your way to Canada. AKA Ohio Star, Star, Kansas Star, Lone Star, Evening Star, Noon and Night...
Learn more about Freedom Quilt Codes Folklore Resources:
-Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad, by historians Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond Dobard.
-Stitched from the Soul, Slave Quilts from the Antebellum South by Gladys-Marie Fry.
-Facts & Fabrications Unraveling the History of Quilts & Slavery by Barbara Brackman.
-The Sampler Quilt by Diana Leone.
-Underground Railroad Sampler by Eleanor Burns and Sue Bouchard.
-http://edwardshistory.org/tales/undergroundrr/
Aboard the Railroad Denver Colorado: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/underground/co1.htm