Barn Quilts
Congratulation to Tracy H, the winner of our Barn Quilt Design Contest!
Tracy’s design, called “Harvest Harmony”, symbolizes the three crops that her family have grown on their farm since the 1980s- corn, soybeans, and winter wheat.
Barn Quilts
A Barn Quilt is a large, decorative mural that replicates designs seen on fabric quilt blocks. They are often seen displayed in agricultural areas on barns or mounted on posts in public places and serve as important art pieces and waypoints.
Barn quilts often tell a story that is representative of a family or the surrounding area. They help draw attention to rural areas and highlight the agricultural landscape that they are displayed in.
A Barn Quilt Trail is a collection of quilts that are installed in locations within rural areas that make a driving or walking tour possible.
History of Barn Quilts
Barn Quilts have a long history within North America. Some of the earliest quilts were made by Austrian, German, and Dutch settlers. Some believe it was a cost-efficient way to decorate a large building, while others believed it was to ward off spirits and protect the farm’s livestock: these were called “painted prayers”.
Barn Quilts may have played a role in the Underground Railroad where certain images and symbols would indicate safe travel, shelter, or directions. These quilt codes would be used by freedom seekers as waypoints and allowed them to safely make their way to freedom.
How to Design a Barn Quilt:
Choose a Meaning
Many people design their barn quilt based on something important to them or their area. They often tell a story that represents farms, families, or histories that reflect the surrounding area.
Choose a Shape
Barn Quilts are reflective of fabric quilt blocks, which means it is made up of only geometric shapes. The use of angles is crucial when designing a barn quilt. Don’t be afraid to use rulers and protractors!
Choose Colours
Choose bold vibrant colours! Limit the number of colours per quilt: More colours = more paint. Small details disappear when placed on the side of a barn. Try outlining your geometric shapes with black. Keep it simple!
How to Create a Barn Quilt:
Plywood
- Pick a size (4'x4' or 8'x8' are most common)
- Sand the surface & edges
- Prime the plywood with latex primer (all sides)
- Let the primer cure fully
- Use a grid system to scale designs & measure from the centre outward.
Design
- Outline your design using a pencil
- Use Painter’s Tape to block off sections for painting
- Start with lighter colours (they are easier to cover up)
- Apply minimum 2 thin coats each
- (Optional) Outline your design lines in black
Seal & Hang
- Use a weather resistant sealant to coat your Barn Quilt
- Position it so it can be seen from the road
- Use power tools and hardware to hang your Barn Quilt on the side of your building
Winning Design
Congratulation to Tracy H, the winner of our Barn Quilt Design Contest!
Tracy’s design, called “Harvest Harmony”, symbolizes the three crops that her family have grown on their farm since the 1980s- corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. The design was chosen because the crops are an important part of their farm's history and represent who they are as a third-generation family farm. The design celebrates the connection to the land, farming heritage, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Submissions:
Barn Quilt Trail Driving Tour
The Town of Essex has created an online barn quilt trail to showcase the barns quilts within the area. More than a dozen Barn Quilts are displayed and more join every year!
Contact Us
Town of Essex
33 Talbot Street South
Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8
519-776-7336