A barn quilt is a large, hand-painted wooden block typically displayed on the front or side of a barn, garage, or partially enclosed carport. They usually measure 8′ x 8′. Created in Ohio by Donna Sue Groves as a way to honor her mother, the barn quilt movement has now spread to over forty states (as well as Canada!). Barn quilts are an excellent way to bring communities together and promote agritourism. Keep reading to learn more about the history and significance of barn quilts, as well as instructions on how to build, paint, and frame one.
- History of the Quilt Trail
This article describes the history of the quilt trail movement, in which townspeople get together and decide to paint quilts on the sides of barns in their communities. - Making Your Barn Quilt: Supplies (PDF)
Another useful resource describing how to tape, paint, frame, and mount a barn quilt to a garage or metal carport. - About Barn Quilts
This article from Sac County, Iowa discusses the history and purpose of barn quilts. - Barn Quilts of Kittitas County
A short article describing barn quilts and quilt trails. It also offers a small sampling of quilt block patterns. - Barn Quilts in Garrett County, Maryland: FAQs
This FAQ page answers questions about the construction, longevity, and patterns of barn quilts. - Pieced Together: A Documentary
Scheduled for release in 2015, Pieced Together is the story of Donna Sue Groves, the founder of the barn quilt movement. - The Barn Quilts of Kankakee County, Illinois (PDF)
This interactive map gives readers a chance to see the fifty beautiful barn quilts on display in Kankakee County. - Illinois Barn Quilt Map
This illustrated flyer gives directions to many barn quilts available to see in Illinois. - What Are Barn Quilts?
This is a helpful FAQ all about the history and meaning behind barn quilts. - Barn Quilts of Carver County, Minnesota
A virtual tour and map of the barn quilts on display in Carver County, Minnesota. - Barn Quilts of the Boonslick Region
More examples of regional barn quilts on real barns. Read about the history and families behind each quilt. - Quilt Blocks Galore
These patterns are for traditional fabric quilts, but they could also be used for barn quilts. Click each photo to see a deconstructed version of the pattern. - Gibson County Barn Quilt Trail
This page from Gibson County, Indiana offers a vacation destination for viewing over 225 hand-painted blocks that are part of the landscape. - Barn Quilt Project” from Iowa State University (video)
This video follows the process of the barn quilt trail movement in Northeast Iowa. - Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement
An excerpt of the book “Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement” by author Suzi Parron and founder Donna Sue Groves. - Free Quilt Block Patterns
A selection of free (fabric) quilt block patterns from McCall’s Quilting. - Barn Quilts of Shawano County, Wisconsin
Learn about the barn quilt trail in Shawano County, Wisconsin, and look at pictures of some of the barn quilts on display. - Barn Quilt Patterns
A short page with examples of popular barn quilt patterns. - Ohio Arts Council Quilt Barn Impact Study: Understanding the Value of the Ohio Quilt Barn Trail
This study discusses the positive impact of the barn quits in Ohio.
