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A Dear Jane quilt begins with one remarkable object: Jane A. Stickle’s 1863 sampler, made from hundreds of distinct designs. Today, “Dear Jane” also means the pattern tradition built from that quilt—and an invitation to reinterpret its blocks, colors and layout in your own way.
What is a Dear Jane quilt?
The original is a sampler quilt made in 1863 by Jane A. Stickle (1817–1896). Bennington Museum describes it as pieced cotton with a linen backing, 169 five-inch blocks in different patterns, 5,602 pieces, and a distinctive scalloped border. The quilt bears the embroidered inscription “In War Time 1863.” (Bennington Museum collection page; museum history)
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Modern makers use “Dear Jane” for quilts based on the original and for Brenda Manges Papadakis’s pattern collection. The appeal is partly visual: each small block can present a different design problem, while the complete arrangement reads as one unified sampler. It is also a flexible framework—makers can follow the historical layout or use color and fabric choices to make the quilt feel personal.
How many blocks are in a Dear Jane quilt?
The original quilt has 169 central square blocks. Papadakis’s modern pattern set is organized into 225 units: 169 square blocks, 52 pieced border triangles and four corner triangles. The larger pattern count includes the border pieces; it does not mean the original has 225 central blocks. (American Patchwork & Quilting; Bennington Museum)
#1 Best Overall
- Come join the celebration of the 25th Anniversary edition of Dear Jane! Whether you have made The Jane A. Stickle Quilt or are ready to make your first block, there’s something new in this book for you
- Softcover, 160 pages long with full-color pictures and instructions
- The author, Brenda Manges Papadakis, delves into history, women’s rights, and the Civil War through her emotional letters to Jane A. Stickle. You’ll draw inspiration from and have admiration for the collection of eighteen unique quilts, all influenced by Jane’s 1863 geometric wonder
- This new edition of Dear Jane has tested and updated patterns
- Bundled with the 9-Piece Dear Jane Acrylic Template set with 3/8" Seam Allowance
How to find inspiration for your version
Choose a color direction
Examples of modern Dear Jane quilts show that the design does not require one fixed palette. You might keep colors restrained, build a bright and saturated mix, or choose a narrower range and let the block patterns carry the visual variety. Treat published quilts as possibilities, not rules. (American Patchwork & Quilting)
Think about print scale
Because the blocks are small, fabric scale affects how clearly a print reads within each design. Small-scale prints and solids can preserve the visibility of piecing; larger motifs may become abstract fragments, which can be an intentional effect. Consider testing a few fabrics in sample blocks before committing to a whole palette.
Rank #2
- Dear Jane Quilt Collect Book by Brenda Papadakis
- Collection of two hundred twenty five patterns from 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt and letters to Jane.
- Use with Dear Jane Acrylic Template
- Calling all lovers of quilts, patterns and quilt history!
- Over 109,500 copies sold!
Decide how much contrast to use
Sashing can separate busy blocks or create a strong grid. Dark sashing, for example, can make lighter blocks stand out; lower-contrast sashing lets the blocks flow together more quietly. Neither approach is required—the right choice depends on whether you want the block boundaries to be prominent.
Follow the arrangement or make it yours
A close interpretation preserves the recognizable sampler structure. A personal version can alter fabric choices, color relationships or the visual emphasis of the border while retaining the small-block challenge. Decide early which elements matter most to you: fidelity to the original arrangement, a particular palette, or room to improvise.
What pattern and planning resources are available?
Brenda Manges Papadakis’s pattern book
Papadakis’s Dear Jane: The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt is the central modern pattern resource. Her account says she became absorbed in the quilt after seeing its photograph in Plain and Fancy, drafted the blocks, and called students’ projects “Baby Jane.” A 25th-anniversary edition listing describes full-size patterns for all 225 units and 160 pages; it also says the softcover lays flat for tracing or photocopying. Availability can change, so check the seller’s current listing before planning around a particular edition. (Brenda Manges Papadakis’s Dear Jane site; book listing)
Optional paper-piece pack
Paper Pieces offers a complete pack of paper pieces for the 225 units based on the Dear Jane book. It is an optional aid for makers who want prepared paper templates; it is not a requirement for making the quilt. (Paper Pieces)
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- Used Book in Good Condition
Digital planning with EQ8
Electric Quilt’s Dear Jane add-on for EQ8 includes the 225 blocks and full layout. For people who already use EQ8 or want a digital planning workflow, it supports printing templates, foundation patterns and rotary-cutting charts at chosen sizes. (Electric Quilt)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you see Jane Stickle’s original quilt?
The original is in the collection of Bennington Museum in Vermont. The museum says the quilt is fragile and is displayed only for a limited annual period, currently described as Labor Day through Indigenous People’s Day. Because dates may vary by season, check the museum’s current visitor information before making travel plans. The museum also notes that the quilt draws quilters from around the world. (Bennington Museum collection page)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Acrylic template set for dear jane project. 9 piece set with 3/8In seam allowance
- Product Dimension: 7.5"L x 5.25"W x 0.5"H
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: ACRDJ
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
