If you are not already familiar with the quilts of Gee's Bend, you are in for a visual treat! And also the story of a remarkable and talented group of women artists in one of the most isolated communities in America. When I first discovered these quilts and the story of Gee's Bend, I was immediately infatuated with their bold design, improvisational style, and the stories of the women who created them. As I update this post in 2026, I'm still in awe of the way these quilts combine necessity and artistic talent. Everyday scraps of discarded fabric, stitched by women in an isolated Alabama community, became works of art that continue to inspire quilters, artists, and historians today.
I love sharing different quilting and handwork traditions from creators of a variety of different time periods and historical or ethnic groups including the Amish, Hmong, Manx, 19th-century westward pioneers. I even found antique quilts made by my own foremothers.
As someone who studied Humanities in college, I've always loved studying the way history, place, and circumstance shape the art people create. And as a quilter, I'm especially drawn to the way women have used fabric. Especially as a way for women in the past - who often had few ways to manifest their voices - to express their creativity and artistic eye, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, with little education or wealth.
By far my favorite quilts of all time are the ones made from necessity: quilts created by women carving out a new life on the frontier, housewives of the Depression, or refugees seeking asylum. These were not luxuries made with abundant supplies. They didn't have access to oodles of raw materials to create with so they used what they had on hand: scraps of fabric, leftovers from the bare necessities of life. And yet they'd take these leftovers and create works of art and creative expression.
The quilters of Gee's Bend fit that description perfectly.
A Quilting Tradition Rooted in Place and History
I was introduced to and became enamored with the quilts of Gee's Bend many years ago. They had been the subject of an exhibition that toured prestigious art galleries across the United States. These quilts astounded art critics with their modern art aesthetic - which is even more amazing as they were not created by avant-garde art students trained by professionals, but by Black women living in an isolated, economically marginalized community.
The story behind these quilts made the exhibit even more meaningful. Many of these women are the descendants of enslaved people by only a generation or two, in the community of Boykin, Alabama.
The name Gee's Bend comes from a 19th-century plantation owner in the area, Jonathan Gee. The community is about as isolated and rural as it gets, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Alabama River. By the 20th century this was a community of sharecroppers barely surviving.
In 1965 the little community was visited by Martin Luther King and many of them joined him in a march for voting rights in nearby Camden. The next week the ferry that provided access to Camden (the nearest commercial town they relied on for food, medicine or supplies) was shut down permanently, making what had once been a 15 minute ferry ride into a one hour journey by car.
How the Gee's Bend Quilts Reached a Wider Audience
In the late 20th century a collector researching examples of African-American art brought wider attention to this remarkable treasure trove of work dating back to the 1920s up through the 2000s. I believe the Gee's Bend Exhibitions had a direct impact on the Modern Quilting movement that officially began to pick up steam in the mid 2000's.
Resources for learning about the Quilts of Gee's Bend
There is so much more depth to the story of the Gee's Bend Quilters, I won't attempt to recreate it all here. Below are links to some great resources to see their quilts, hear their voices (both current and past) and learn about these makers and their experiences.
The Souls Grown Deep website has an excellent page about the Gee's Bend Quilters - you can see images of the different quilts, divided into categories such as quilts made from Work Clothes or Housetop style (an improvisational form of a log cabin block). There are also photos of and information about each of the Gee's Bend quilters and examples of their works, but my favorite part is their stories told in their own words. I love hearing these women's voices.
This article in Smithsonian Magazine tells about the original exhibits and interviews some of the living quilters.
This article talks more about the broader history and tradition of African-American influenced quilts and art.
You can read more about (and by the work of) the current generation of Gee's Bend quilters on Etsy.
Videos:
There are also some excellent videos documenting the history as well as the women who are still living and quilting in Gee's Bend.
This excellent video gives a brief visual description of their story and background
This 2018 video is a window into the lives of the women who still live in this community today. You will fall in love with them.
There is an hour long PBS documentary about Gee's Bend (produced in 2004) featuring many of the quilters who have since passed away.
You can also check out News features about the current quilters of Gee's Bend on the Today Show and Good Morning America.
Books:
I bought a copy of The Quilts of Gee's Bend by Susan Goldman Rubin. It briefly shares their history, including the story of how they were discovered and came to be part of celebrated art exhibits. It also includes historical photos from Gee's bend as well as gorgeous photos of many of the quilts.
The book Stitchin' and Pullin' a Gee's Bend Quilt is a collection of poems written for children telling the story of the quilts as well as tying in the quilters' experiences with Martin Luther King, marching for civil rights and the protection of their right to vote as well as the effort it took to do so.
I've been trying to track down a copy of the books from the original exhibits but having a hard time as they are now out of print. I found a copy through my library system and was able to request it through inter-library loan. It's full of stunning stories and inspiration.
How to Support the Current Gee's Bend Quilters
One of the best ways to support the living tradition of Gee's Bend quilting is to buy directly from current Gee's Bend quilters whenever possible through their Etsy shops, community events, retreats, or in-person quilt sales. As Gee's Bend designs have become more widely recognized and even used in commercial collaborations, it feels especially important to make sure the artists and their community benefit directly from the appreciation of their work.
Etsy is providing a marketplace where quilts from the current Gee's Bend quilters can be purchased online through their own Etsy shopfront.
You can read more about this collaboration here.
In the years since I first wrote this post, the quilts of Gee's Bend have continued to receive well-deserved recognition around the world. The community of Gee's Bend itself is becoming a destination for quilters and art lovers through events like the annual Airing of the Quilts Festival, workshops, retreats, and the Gee's Bend Heritage Trail. I'm so glad to see more opportunities for people to learn directly from and support the current Gee's Bend quilters. Visiting one of these events or retreats is high on my quilting-bucket-list.
A Final Thought on Listening to Makers' Stories
I've been deeply moved by the openness of the Gee's Bend quilters and their stories of poverty, racism, faith, humor, creativity, and perseverance. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from their voices and be inspired by their work. My hope on this blog has always been to celebrate makers from a variety of experiences and traditions, and the quilts of Gee's Bend are another powerful reminder that quilts carry far more inspiration than the fabric and thread they're made of. They not only share beauty, but they honor the memory and tell human stories worth listening to.
hopflower says
Well said, Amy; and such a timely post. I loved learning about Gee's Bend and the history behind the quilts. You don't have to have had the exact same experience in order to understand another's sorrow. It seems that I remember in history too, that your people (LDS) had their own plight. And it was entirely appropriate to honour these ladies with recognition of their talents. Well done.
Amy says
Thank you. That is so kind of you to say. Learning from other people's life experiences - especially the really hard ones - is a great motivator to be and do better.
farmhousequiltsblog says
I too love the story of the Gee's Bend quilters and absolutely adore their quilts. I had read some of their story already but thank you for more links to learn even more. A perfect post at the perfect time, in my opinion, so thank you Amy!
Genevieve says
Thank you so much for reposting this article. As a child I grew up seeing my grandmother and her sisters making quilts. My mom was a self learned seamstress and would send my grandmother material scraps for her to use. I did not realize the history of quilting in our African American culture. Thank you again for posting as I continue on my own quilting journey.
Mary Davies says
Thank you for an update on The Quilter’s of Gee’s Bend. I have recently seen an exhibition of their quilts at The American Museum, Bath, England. My daughter has bought me a copy of the original book - The Quilts of Gee’s Bend - and I am in awe of the quilts and the stories behind them. They are a lesson in freedom to disregard the temptation to mix and match, or have precise piecing.
Amy Smart says
What a wonderful opportunity to see them in person! Love the description. 💗
Elaine Randall says
What a timely post. I have been so intrigued by the Gee’s bend quilters since I first learned about them. I adore their work. Years ago, well before I had ever heard of them we traveled to visit family in the deep south and was disappointed to learn that we had traveled through Selma, so close to Gee’s Bend and could have made a detour. I also missed the quilt tour when it was close by a few years ago. Thank you for sharing this, always delightful to learn more.
Stephanie Mullin says
Beautiful post! Thank you !💗
auntiepatch69 says
Amazing post! Thanks!
Janet M says
Well done, Amy. I saw the Gee's Bend traveling exhibit many years ago when it was at The Henry Ford in Dearborn Michigan. Your sincere tribute to this unique style and the artists shows solid research & historical perspective without pandering. Thank you.
Cathy B. says
Well said Janet, and thank you Amy! Let's hope that the travelling exhibit does an encore as a result of the global conversation.
Amy says
Thank you, Janet - that means a lot. It is definitely important to me not to pander or appropriate. All of the credit goes to these inspiring makers.
Dori Johns says
Beautiful, Amy, just beautiful! Bless you!
Rosemaryflower says
I enjoyed reading this. What a lovely story.
PattyDee Quilts says
Loved this! I have always found Gee's Bend quilts fascinatining. I appreciate your post and your well written words. We know better...it is time to do better. Some days I want to scream...we are all Children of God, why can't we just love each other! Some of my favorite people are from other parts of the world. Their stories are fascinating, and often hard as they talk about how they came to live here in America. As we have traveled this amazing world we live in, we have met people that have instantly become friends. We have learned from them and expanded our knowledge and love of the world and the people who inhabit it.
Thanks Amy for sharing powerful and much needed insight!
Julie K says
Check out the connection between this amazing community and the former First Lady's dress in her portrait:
https://theculture.forharriet.com/2018/02/michelle-obamas-portraitist-chose-her.html?m=1
Amy says
Yessssss! Thank you for pointing that out! I remember now seeing that somewhere but had totally forgotten. I'm so glad you shared!
TinaK says
Amy, Your light shines. It is clear to see that you are a woman of faith. Keep shining and sharing.
Amy says
Thank you, Tina. That is so kind of you.
Sue Marshall says
Hi Amy, Thank you for this wonderful post. Amazing information, beautiful quilts and valuable information regarding our history. I appreciate having the opportunity to view your posts and thank you again for all that you do
Sue Marshall
Amy says
Thank you, Sue. xo
Marsha Loewenberg says
What a wonderful post. Thank you.
Carla Kennedy says
Thanks for sharing the story of Gee Bend and the quilts. Cool Story
MaryJo says
Thank you for a heart-felt post, Amy! I never heard of Gee's Bend until 2006 when the US Postal Service issued a series of postage stamps commemorating the Gee's BendI Quilts. Since my husband worked for the post office, we bought those stamps, but I used all of them on letters; now I wish I still had some. In 2013, my husband and I spent the summer in the Paducah, KY area so I got to see some of the actual Gee's Bend quilts at the National Qult Museum in Paducah. It was amazing and I loved it. But I still had no interest in quilting until 2017 when our first great-grandchild was due. That first quilt I made was a whole cloth quilt, tied with embroidery thread because at that point I would never have dreamed of trying to piece or machine quilt anything. Since then, I've made a couple more whole cloth quilts and 3 pieced quilts and I have progressed to straight line and curvy line machine quilting with my walking foot. The most recent quilt (and the most advanced, for me) was your Craftsman quilt that I made in 2019 for our newest grandchild.
Thank you Amy, for your kindness and willingness to share your design gifts and your love!
I have your Baby Lattice Quilt pattern and will tackle that one of these day, and I'm determined that 2020 will be the year that I finally tackle FMQ.
Amy says
Good for you, MaryJo! So glad you joined the fun. And I love that your most recent quilt was a Craftsman quilt. That gives me warm fuzzies. xo
Sandra says
I was privileged to see the Quilts of Gees Bend exhibit when it was traveling. It is one of the most inspiring and fascinating stories I have ever seen. So much beautiful artistry in those quilts. It is embarrassing when you stop to think about the struggle we have choosing quilt fabrics from the many many available and how these quilters created works of art from what they had. Thank you for your lovely post.
Candace Allan says
Thanks so much for featuring Gee's Bend quilts & quilters. They are my favorites. I always enjoy seeing/ reading about them. I make projects inspired by their style but can't approach their originality or organic movement! Do continue to feature unique / regional quilt styles as you have in the past.
Frédérique says
Thank you for sharing these beautiful quilts, and their story!
Becky says
You should go! Ive gone twice and an going again next march. I love mary ann and China. They are so talented and they love everyone. They sing all during the retreat. Ann who helps organize them does a wonderful job. It's my time to renew my spirit and take a moment for myself.
Amy says
You went! That is amazing. Yes, I need to make this happen!
Rebecca Foster-Faith says
One of the components of being an ally is to promote and highlight black voices when you can. By using your blog to bring Gees Bend to those of us who had no idea - you are doing exactly that.
Debbie S. says
I highly recommend the Gee's Bend Quilting Retreat, held a few times a year in a rural setting near Canton, Miss. Quilters spend a few days working at their own pace on their own projects, with guidance, show-and-tell, and demonstrations by the Gee's Bend quilters. And the food is great! I'd be there this month if not for the pandemic, which forced postponement of the summer and fall sessions. Can't wait to attend again! (It sells out quickly, by the way.)
Amy says
Sounds amazing! I'd really love to go someday!
Sue Carey says
A great YA novel I read several years ago is Leaving Gee's Bend, by Irene Latham. It is a powerful story of a girl in the community who quilts & has to cross the river to convince the doctor to attend her seriously ill mother. It's tender & powerful & she learns lessons from her quilting.
Amy says
Awesome! Thank you so much for the recommendation!
Mary Baker says
Always love reading your blog. Thank you for highlighting the quilts and quilters of Gee's Bend. Attending one of their retreats is on my bucket list too! Also praying your son is getting stronger.
brendalynne1 says
i will be rereading this article about these Gee Quilts. One photo of a lady working over her quilt frame reminded me that I have quilt frames that my husband built for me that I can no longer use. But they are so nice and most folks are as old or in the general age group that I have no spot to gift them. I wonder how I could make this happen with these lovely ladies ?????
Tangular A Irby says
I am a Gee's Bend descendant and children's book author. My grandmothers were Gee's Bend quilters. I love the love that has been shared in response to your love of our legacy. I hope you consider adding Pearl and her Gee's Bend Quilt to your children's book list. My grandmothers were Pearlie Kennedy Pettway and Jensie Lee Irby.
Tangular A. Irby
Tangular A Irby says
I may be able to help.
Tangular Irby- [email protected]
Gee's Bend descendant
Renore Williams says
Indiana Google search of Gee'S Bend after seeing some magnificent quilts online. So glad to find your article. Thank you!
Carol says
I just went to en exhibit of their quilts last month in Stephentown, Ny. I got to meet some of the quilters, and quilted with them for a short while. I got to hear personal stories. It was a wonderful experience.
Amy says
Wow! What a wonderful opportunity!
Carolyn Howard says
The work of these women is beyond belief, primitive has never been so colorful. I would love to be able to see some of their work. Thank you for the article.
liz gedling says
I am hoping that you might have the Gees Bend experience personally. My visit there added a wonderful "knowing" to my life.
Amy Smart says
Oh that is so wonderful. I am hoping for that too!
Janet says
Amy-I thoroughly enjoyed your extensive article and videos about the Alabama quilts coincidentally I just finished a novel with a setting including a quilt themed connection to Camden and Gee Bend (Where the Wildflowers Grow by Torah Shelton Harris). Check it out.
Amy Smart says
Thank you so much for the recommendation!