What is a Baltimore Album Quilt?

A Baltimore Album Quilt (BAQ) is essentially an appliquéd quilt that was popular in Baltimore, Maryland, in the mid-nineteenth century. Nearly all of these quilts are on a white/off-white background with the appliqués being predominantly red and green. They were usually signature presentation quilts, often made by several different quilters, as a gift for a special person such as a bride. As a result, many Baltimore Album Quilts were treasured, well preserved, and exist to this day.

This photograph is a typical BAQ dated 1851. Today authentic vintage Baltimore Album Quilts go for as much as $200,000 at auction. Yes, you read that right.

In the late 20th century renowned quilter Elly Sienkiewicz almost single-handedly revived the interest in the Baltimore Album Quilt. Her 15 books on the BAQ and applique encourage even the newest quilter to give this traditional American craft a try.