Broken Dishes is one of the seventeen blocks considered to be part of the Underground Railroad.

Although unproven, many believe that quilts were hung on clotheslines and draped over porch railings to send messages to fleeing slaves.

As the slaves traveled north, spotting a quilt made with the Broken Dishes pattern sent a message that suggested assistance or refuge could be found near a place that involved broken crockery, perhaps a kiln or ceramics manufacturer.

This quilt-in-the-hoop block has also been published as:

“Broken Dishes”  , (Thought to have originated in the 1870’s and first printed September 24, 1930)

“Old Tipppecanoe”, Ladies Art Company, (Pattern 194, 1895)

“The Double Square”, February 25, 1953

“Broken Promises”, Quilter’s Newsletter, (Issue 247, November 1992)

Step it up a notch with new fabric choices and you will love what you can do with this block.

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Available for instant download in 5 and 8 inch blocks