Pattern mixing has been popular throughout the centuries. This is just a few examples.

Pattern Mixing in 18th Century Dress

French Court

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The British 18th Century Fashionistas weren’t too far behind

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Pattern mixing was even tried out in the backwaters (and in the 18th century, America was the backwater). Notice the quilted petticoat. This was common in the Early Georgian era.

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Pattern Mixing For Economics and Necessity-Quilt Making

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Rare Japanese “Boro” textile, Boro, literally “rag” cloths, traditionally futon covers or rugs, were rurally made using whatever scraps of Edo period cotton cloth could be bought, traded or salvaged and sewn together in very graphic, abstract patterns. As only the middle class could afford cotton in bolt form, rural poor folk made do with what was at hand or bought from rag markets. The result are these beautiful, soulful textiles that are as much abstract art as fabric.

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African American Patchwork Quilt
1930’s
72 x 98

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From the quilt collection of the National Museum of Wales-A patchwork quilt made from multicolored printed cotton squares. The filling is probably an older quilt. Made by Esther David of Llancabon-Mid to late 19th century.

Simple Fabric War Time American Fashions

Claire McCardell 1940-creating from the humblest of American fabrics

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Gilbert Adrian-1940 playing stripe against stripe in simple poplin-given the three different line directions, trip and two colors used, I consider this pattern mixing.

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