Woven Coverlets: Timeless Charm for Cozy Home Decor

by Jacki Alcorn

Woven coverlets are more than just bedding; they're a tapestry of history and colonial artistry. They bring together generations of skill, showcasing designs that turn simple threads into heritage pieces. By diving into this topic, you'll grasp the depth behind these popular textiles.

We'll dig into what makes each one unique—the materials that define their feel and look—so important for both comfort and style.

And let's not forget upkeep. You need to know how to keep your coverlet in top shape, right?

We carry reproduction woven coverlets and will talk about each of our pattern designs and the colors used in weaving them. Finally, we'll walk through picking out the perfect piece for your space—a true blend of function and fashion.

This photo shows my Hoosier cupboard filled with woven coverlets , throws , tablecloths , runners and pillows.

Table Of Contents:

The Artistry of Woven Coverlets

You can picture artisans at their looms, weaving together history and craft with every thread.

We often overlook how each fiber interlocks in an intricate dance to create patterns that can rival any painter's canvas. It’s like a time capsule you can drape over your bed.

Shown here is our Gettysburg mustard collection.

From hand-dyed wool to the latest eco-friendly fibers, the materials chosen for these woven wonders play a starring role in their durability and feel. But it's not all about looks—these pieces are workhorses too. They stand up to chilly nights, making them as practical as they are stunning.

Historical Significance of Woven Coverlets

Picture this: it's the 19th century, and every pattern tells a story, each thread a line in an unwritten book about our ancestors' lives. These textiles were not only bedcovers but also symbols of personal heritage and skillful artistry.

Their significance is stitched into America's narrative with some even predating the Revolutionary War. Imagine having such an artifact on your bed today. We often take for granted how these intricate designs represented both necessity and status back then—a time when handmade goods were as much about survival as they were signs of wealth or dowry pieces meant to impress.

Photo courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

If you've ever been lucky enough to run your hands over a woven coverlet at museum exhibits, you know there’s something special about them. They connect us to our past with every interlaced fiber, reminding us that we're part of a larger tapestry—quite literally.

True antique coverlets are a rare find. I know I will never own a coverlet made during our country's colonial period. Or, even a beautiful jaquard coverlet from the 1800's .

That's why I'm grateful for reproduction woven coverlets. I can much more easily afford to enjoy their beauty and use them in my home. We'll talk in detail about the kinds of coverlets we carry as we go on.

Materials Matter in Woven Coverlets

Ever touched a woven coverlet and felt like you were brushing against history itself? That's the magic of materials. They're not just threads interlocking on a loom; they're storytellers, each with their own tale.

Take cotton for instance, it's like that reliable friend who's always comfortable to be around—breathable, soft, and oh-so-cozy.

But let’s talk wool. Even though it's known for warmth - wool coverlets can also be a bit scratchy.

Our customers enjoy the fact that our coverlets are made from 100% cotton.

Caring for Your Woven Coverlet

Imagine your woven coverlet is like a cherished recipe passed down through generations—each thread holds memories and deserves the best care.

First off, let's talk about washing. Handwashing with a gentle detergent in cool water can work wonders. If you prefer to machine wash, do so with care using the gentle cycle.

Drying is another chapter in our care book. Air drying when not in direct sunlight is probably the best option. We do not recommend drying in a dryer as shrinkage may occur.

Our coverlets may not need any ironing. However, if you decide to iron, be sure to use a low setting. Treat that iron like you’re smoothing over an old friendship: do it gently.

For storage, I have found that rolling or folding works well. For long-term storage, it's probably best to avoid plastic bags as they can trap moisture.

About Our Company's Woven Coverlets

Our woven coverlets are dyed and made on looms in India. We started selling woven table runners very soon after we launched Primitive Star Quilt Shop back in 2010. Since that time we have continued to expand our coverlet collections to include bedding, curtains, pillows, and shower curtains.

Several coverlets we displayed on a bench in our shop.

Most of the coverlets are made of two thread colors. However, a few of the collections we carry have three colors integrated into the pattern.

Our customers just love our woven coverlet items. So much so that we have a hard time keeping everything in stock!

As I showcase our collections here, I'll describe several of the patterns we carry.

Autumn Frost Woven Coverlet Collection

The Autumn Frost woven coverlet is navy and tan. The collection features circles, squares, and lines that form a lacey geometric pattern. When you look closely you can also see diagonal lines in this early American colonial-style coverlet.

This shows how our Autumn Frost pairs well with our Westbury and Gettysburg cranberry collections.

Gettysburg Woven Coverlet Collections

Our Gettysburg collections are made with two different thread colors and come in black and tan, cranberry and tan, mustard and creme, and navy and tan. This collection is intricately woven in a lacy window pane design with circular medallions in the center of each repeating pattern.

Gettysburg black is shown here layered along the foot end of the bed.

This Gettysburg cranberry coverlet is tucked neatly into the bed rails.

This four poster bed is showcasing the Gettysburg mustard pattern.

Gettysburg navy is featured in this bedroom.

Nantucket Woven Coverlet Collections

Our Nantucket collection comes in four colors: black and tan, cranberry and tan, mustard and creme, and navy and tan. This woven design has squares, diagonals, and rounded squares creating a lacy repeating block pattern.

Here we styled Nantucket black bedding, pillows, and curtains with a Packsvile Rose black throw to coordinate.

Nantucket cranberry pillows shown here on a queen coverlet. 

Nantucket mustard bedding is shown here with pillows, a valance and throw. 

Packsville Rose Woven Coverlet Collections

Packsville Rose features a small repeating diamond pattern with a pinwheel-looking flower in the center of every other diamond. The design comes in black and linen as well as cranberry and linen.

Since this pattern is smaller and less busy we often pair it together with some of our other collections as a nice coordinating accent. An example is to use the Packsville Rose cranberry with our Westbury cranberry collection.

Packsville Rose black is featured on this twin bed with a matching sham.

Packsville Rose colonial red coverlet and shams are shown here with a layered throw. 

Patriots Knot Woven Coverlet Collection 

The Patriots Knot Tan woven coverlet collection is made from three different colored threads. This detailed pattern starts with checkered block squares in two sizes. 

These are woven in with circular shapes and underlying diagonal lines creating an intricate pattern with so much going on. There is also some red woven in to add an additional point of interest throughout the coverlet.

This queen bed features our Patriots Knot pattern. 

We also carry a black and tan version of Patriots Knot and are enjoying the bold colonial look of this collection.

This scene displays the coverlet, pillow, throw and long swag in the Patriots Knot black and tan collection.

Wentworth Woven Coverlet Collection

The Wentworth woven collection is available in navy and linen. The pattern reminds me of windowpane fabric combined with a plaid look.

Normally, with a windowpane fabric the center of each square is solid. However, in the Wentworth collection the center of each square is filled with intricate designs that resemble plaid.

Wentworth navy bedding, curtains and throw shown with a Gettysburg mustard throw pillow.

Westbury Woven Coverlet Collections

The Westbury collection has a repeating pattern of stripes, rectangles, and squares woven with various size cotton threads. This pattern was one of the first ones we started carrying and is a tried and true pattern our customers love. We have coverlets and accessories in black and mustard, black and tan, and navy and tan.

This room scene features the Westbury black and mustard collection.

Westbury black and tan is shown here with Packsville Rose black accent pieces.

This bed features the Westbury navy coverlet.

Many of the bedding collections I just mentioned also have shower curtains, table runners, tablecloths, throws, and window curtains. Here are a few more collections that only have tabletop items.

Additional Woven Kitchen Collections

Christmas Rose

Gettysburg Pumpkin and Creme

Morning Meadows

Find Your Favorite Today

There is so much to love about colonial style woven coverlet items. We have enjoyed showing you several styles that we carry. We have even more coverlet colors and patterns available. You can also check out a large selection of our woven table cloths. 

Choosing the Perfect Woven Coverlet for Your Home

Finding that ideal woven coverlet is like hitting the jackpot in cozy home decor. It's not just about snagging something pretty; it's a game of matching your personal style with practicality and comfort. So, let’s talk color first.

Pick a coverlet color that fits the mood of your room. A splash of blue might bring calmness to your space while rich reds can add warmth faster than sipping hot cocoa by the fire.

Now onto patterns. Coverlet patterns can be combined and often coordinate very well. However, you want just enough to create a perfect blend without overdoing it - creating chaos.

If your room already has its fair share of designs, maybe start with one pattern and then consider adding smaller coordinating pieces.

Last up is material because who wants scratchy blankets? We love the fact that our coverlets are made from comfortable cotton.

You'll find options here at Primitive Star Quilt Shop that'll make both sleepy nights and lazy Saturday mornings blissful affairs. 

FAQ's Concerning Woven Coverlets

What is a woven coverlet?

A woven coverlet is a decorative fabric, traditionally handcrafted to adorn and warm beds.

What is the purpose of a coverlet?

Coverlets add style and comfort to bedding without the bulk of heavier quilts or comforters.

What is the difference between a coverlet and a Matelasse?

A matelasse has raised patterns that mimic quilted styles, while regular coverlets are typically flat-woven.

What is the difference between a coverlet and a bedspread?

Coverlets are lightweight layers for warmth or decoration; bedspreads drape all sides down to the floor.

Conclusion

Wrap yourself in history with woven coverlets. They're the fabric of our past, interwoven with today's style. Remember the artistry—it turns simple yarn into intricate masterpieces.

Embrace their story; these textiles are chapters from bygone eras brought to life in your living room or bedroom. Feel each thread—materials make a difference for both comfort and durability.

Care for them well; preserving their beauty is key to enjoying their warmth year after year. Choose wisely, because the right coverlet can transform a space, melding tradition and trend effortlessly.

Incorporate this charm into your home decor and watch as it tells its own tale—a cozy statement that endures through time.

 

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