Wool

Did you know? Modern penny mats are inspired by Civil War era rugs designed by thrifty homemakers. These quilters would collect scraps of worn-out wool fabric or clothing. Then they'd use coins as templates to trace perfect round shapes on their material, hence the name 'penny rug'. Once they had collected enough scraps, they would layer the pieces in concentric circles and sew them onto plain fabric backings with a blanket stitch. Though modern wool appliqué is now available in every imaginable color, shape, or stitch, many rustic or 'primitive' wool applique patterns still exist that pay tribute to the art's traditional roots.