Western Carolina University WCU University of North Carolina Asheville UNCA

Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all
University of North Carolina Asheville (6) View all
WCU - Craft Revival

Weave Pattern: Double Bow Knot

  • wcu_craft_revival-4717.jpg
Copyright Download
  • This color image is a close-up of the weave pattern known as Double Bow Knot. The Double Bow Knot pattern derives its name from the half bows that join in the middle forming a square-shaped knot. Bow knot patterns can be created in a multitude of sizes. The photograph shows the center seam that is slightly off as to a perfect match. The coverlet is woven using a natural linen warp. The brown wool pattern weft yarns are dyed with chestnut oak bark. Both fibers were hand spun. A fabric label sewn to the coverlet reads, “This piece started the Allanstand Industries.” Allanstand Cottage Industries was a craft cooperative founded in western North Carolina in the 1890s by Frances Louisa Goodrich (1856-1944). Goodrich came to the mountains of western North Carolina to teach at a Presbyterian mission located nine miles outside Asheville, North Carolina. The coverlet, reportedly made in the 1850s by an unidentified weaver, was presented to Frances Goodrich by Mrs. William Davis of Brittain's Cove, North Carolina in the mid-1890s. It is historically important as this Double Bow Knot coverlet is the gift Goodrich credited with inspiring her to revive weaving and other crafts in the western North Carolina region. The coverlet was donated to the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, along with the rest of Goodrich's craft collection.

Related items

Part of Collection

Craft Revival

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mountain craftsmen formed the cornerstone of a revived interest in things handmade to create a movement known as the Craft Revival. During the Revival...

View collection Read introduction
panzoom image
wcu_craft_revival-4717.jpg