Lemoyne Star doll bed quilt

Lemoyne Star Doll Bed Quilt

Historical Information

by Patricia L. Cummings

"Lemoyne Star" is the name of a traditional quilt design whose earliest known published date is 1911. according to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. The configuration falls into the category of "eight-point/45 degree diamond stars." Doyle referred to the design as "Puritan Star."

The pattern itself has earlier origins than its published date. Ruth Finley in her book Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them, 1929, states that this particular quilt block was called "Star of Lemoyne," "Lemoyne Star," or "Lemon Star" (in New England), and she reveals that the design takes its name from the two LeMoyne brothers who settled Louisiana in 1699.

The doll quilt design, shown below, was derived from a nineteenth century quilt whose madder print fabrics provide supporting evidence that it was, indeed, made in the 1800s.

Lemoyne star doll bed quilt

Pat's doll, as a child, and rope bed assembled by James Cummings, with Lemoyne Star doll bed quilt atop. photo by James Cummings

This design is a well-loved favorite of American quilters. In some instances, the "Lemoyne Star" quilt block has been rendered entirely in solid, light pastel hues.