Freedom Quilt Squares
Materials:
- Pre-cut, solid construction paper – 12×12
- Pre-cut, scrapbook paper and solid construction paper – 6×6
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Rulers
- Pencils with erasers
- Folding instructions
Project Set Up:
- At the front table, arrange a variety colored paper cut into 12×12 squares, and scrapbook paper cut into 6×6 squared.
- Each student should receive the following: Glue stick, pair of scissors, ruler and a pencil (with eraser), copy of paper folding instructions.
Class Time:
- There is a lot of information in your folders about the Underground Railroad – what it was, the routes, etc., Freedom Quilts and Harriet Tubman. Once you have read it, pick and choose some key facts about each to fill about 10 minutes of class time. We are replicating Freedom Quilts made during that time for this project, but it helps to have additional background – just use what you need!
- Each student should receive a set of paper folding instructions. During the discussion, demonstrate how to do a few of the folds.
There are 5 patterns to choose from:
1. Bow Tie
2. Flying Geese
3. Crossroads
4. Star
5. Wagon Wheel - Have the students pick out one 12×12 paper, and two 6×6 papers in the colors of their choice. The small squares should coordinate. They can use warm colors, cool colors, complementary colors, analogous colors, etc.
- Students will start by using their ruler to divide their 12×12 papers into quarters – so that there are 4, 6×6 sections on their sheet. Take note to press lightly with the pencil, as they will erase these lines once their patterns are glued down.
- Once students have decided which pattern to replicate, instruct them to fold the smaller pieces of paper, following the instructions corresponding to that quilt pattern.
- Once they have completed the folding, they will cut along the fold lines and arrange the various shapes into the quilt pattern. The students should not glue the shapes immediately. Have them lay out their pattern before gluing down. The penciled lines on their 12×12 should provide enough of a guide to make each pattern.
- Instruct students to lay out their design BEFORE gluing down their shapes
and erase their penciled guidelines.
