The “LeMoyne Star” Quilt Pattern Originated in France…Or Did It?
This 8-point star quilt pattern is known by many names: ‘ LeMoyne Star’, ‘Puritan Star’ and ‘Lemon Star’, to name a few.
Early pioneer homesteaders often used a star pattern when designing their quilts. A quilt featuring the 8-point LeMoyne Star quilt pattern was a simple and popular option.
Piecing an intricate quilt makes precision even more important. A lady using multiple pieces in her quilt was considered accomplished in her needlepoint skills.
I thought I would include a picture from years ago. This is a page out of my photo album showing me working on my quilt. I was blessed to have lots of help from my family and several ladies from our church.
Four generations of ladies in my family, including two of my daughters were able to share in special moments around the quilt.
This page makes me smile so much!
I'm in the center photo working on my quilt that includes 8-point stars.
Who First Created the LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern?
Theory #1:
Versailles, the home of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, may have been the first location where this pattern was used. Here’s how the story goes: Jean-Louis LeMoyne designed tiles with this pattern for Versailles and also created sculptures for the palace in the early 1700s.
Somehow, this pattern made its way to his cousin’s coat of arms. See Theory #2.
Theory #2:
LeMoyne brothers Pierre and Jean Baptiste founded New Orleans and this particular star pattern is prominent in Jean Baptiste’s coat of arms.
Theory #3:
It all started as the ‘Puritan Star’ in New England.
Theory #4:
“LeMoyne Star” was pronounced as “Lemon Star” by the English speakers in America.
Quite a melting pot of theories, huh? Regardless of the true origin, here’s what makes this pattern unique: It has 8 points and each of the outside angles are 45 degrees.
“It can be a hard square to make,” commented now deceased quilter, Esther Swift of Nobleboro, Maine. “You have to make sure those points line up.” With 109 quilts to her credit, Swift knows what she’s talking about!
When in Washington, DC, you might visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Over the years, they have displayed an early 1800’s LeMoyne Star pattern quilt. It was handsewn in North Carolina and made out of cotton and wool, which were common clothing fabrics at that time.
The last time I checked the LeMoyne star quilt pattern was not currently on display.
A picture of this early quilt with much appreciation to The Smithsonian for sharing it on-line.
Enjoy the LeMoyne star quilt pattern in your home.
Quilts with stars as part of the pattern are very common in primitive country decorating styles. The 8 point LeMoyne Star design is featured in a few of our quilts, including our Maisie, Dakota Star and Tea Cabin bedding collections.
This is our Maisie bedding collection with curtains to match.
We also have a coordinating Maisie Patch throw and shower curtain with 8 point LeMoyne stars as part of the design. These two collections are made from all the same fabrics.
This bedroom features the Tea Cabin quilt and shams along with a braided rug and prairie curtains.
If you would like to showcase the LeMoyne Star quilt pattern in your home, you can see we have some great options here at Primitive Star Quilt Shop.
FAQS in Relation to the LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern
What is the history of the LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern?
This respected quilt block was published in Ohio Farmer in 1894 and named after two brothers.
What does the 8 point star quilt mean?
Quilts with stars are often given as gifts for special occasions like graduation or weddings.
What is the most popular quilt pattern of all time?
One of the most famous and notable quilt block patterns is the log cabin block pattern. It represented love, warmth and security to traveling pioneers.
Standing the Test of Time
The LeMoyne Star quilt pattern has been loved by many people for years. We are glad to be able to offer quilts with this beloved pattern to our primitive country customers today.
Visit our primitive quilts and discover your favorite.
