Introduction
The Underground Railroad is an important part of American
history—yet it is difficult for children to understand what the
Underground Railroad was and how African slaves, known as
fugitives, “rode” it to freedom. This quilt poster and guide is
packed with ideas for helping children study the Underground
Railroad by learning about the quilts—and the secret escape
codes quilters stitched into them to guide their people
to freedom.
Included in this Really Good Stuff
®
kit you will find:
• Full-color poster, 19" by 24", featuring the Underg r o u n d
R a i l r oad map and Quilt Pa t t e r n s
• Reproducible quilt patterns
• This Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Prior to 1860, America captured and enslaved about four million
Black people from Africa. Slavery came about because
Americans needed workers to do the difficult labor on the
sprawling plantations that stretched across the South, and
because slave-traders saw an opportunity to make a great deal
of money buying and selling slaves.
From the beginning, slaves tried to escape from owners. But
attempting an escape, or helping someone else to escape, was
dangerous and could result in severe punishment or death. The
Underground Railroad is the name for the secret route fugitives
took to escape to freedom. It was so named because fugitives
who tra veled on it just seemed to vanish as if tra v e l i n g
underground. It was, of course, not a real railroad, but rather a
series of safe hiding places called “stations.” The people who
helped the fugitives travel from one station to the next were
known as “railroad workers.” The people who helped fugitives get
food and places to sleep were known as “station masters.”
People who worked and tra veled on the Railroad used secre t
codes to learn the routes from one safe place to the next.
R e s e a rchers recently learned that an Underg r ound Railroad Quilt
Code existed to guide fugitives to freedom. Because it was illegal
in slave-holding states to teach slaves to read, slaves could not
communicate with each other in writing. But, because slaves of all
b a c k g rou nds shared an oral history of storytelling coupled with a
knowledge of textile production and African art—an art form
which embodies African symbolic systems and designs—t h e y
d i s c o v e red they we re able to communicate complex messages in
the stitches, patterns, designs, colors and fabrics of the
American quilt. To memorize the code, re s e a rchers believe
f u g i t i ves used a sampler quilt, with blocks arranged in order of
the code. The patterns told slaves how to get ready to escape,
what to do on the trip, and where to go.
Once stitched, the coded quilts were “aired” out the windows of
slave cabins, acting as secret maps for slaves brave and
desperate enough to make the dangerous trek from South to
North, from slavery to freedom. Researchers today are excited
about unraveling the mysteries behind the Underground Railroad
Quilt codes. And your students will be excited to use this kit to
help design their own coded quilt squares. Twelve quilt patterns
were used to direct the slaves to take particular action.
Directions for Creating a Coded Quilt Map
1. Begin by sharing this poster front, plus read-aloud books and
background information about the Underground Railroad and
coded quilts with your class. Here are some resources to
consider exploring:
• The Secret To Freedom by Marcia Vaughan (Lee & Low
Books, 2001). A young slave girl and her older brother, in
the days before the Civil War, help slaves escape to
freedom using the Underground Railroad quilt code.
• The Patchwork Path by Bettye Stroud (Candlewick Press,
2005). This book tells how Hannah and her Papa escaped
from slavery along the Underground Railroad. The quilt
that Hannah and her late mother made together offers
clues in the quilt blocks.
• Almost To Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
(Carolrhoda Books, 2003). A tattered rag doll named
Sally relates how a young girl and her parents embark on
the dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad in
their quest for freedom.
2. Copy a supply of quilt square patterns in this kit. These
re p r esent some of the most common quilt blocks used in
coded quilts.
(Tip: To make squares more sturd y, mount squares on
construction paper before cutting apart . )
Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
Underground Railroad Quilt Guide
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
All activity guides can be found online:
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
3. After reading together the information about each
quilt block:
• Offer children art supplies (crayons, markers, assorted
paper, wrapping paper, fabric scraps and scissors).
• Have them trim the squares along the lines, then fill in the
squares with color, patterns and textures.
• Tell children to create quilt squares with hidden meanings.
Remind them that colors, patterns, textures, “stitches”
and “knots” (drawn on with a fine line marker), can each
indicate a coded symbol.
• Children can create individual squares which may be taped
or quilted together as a class quilt, or they may create
individual quilts by gluing a number of completed squares
to lengths of craft paper which can then be displayed on
walls and hallways.
4. Invite children to write essays describing the symbolism
present in their quilt square(s).
QUILT PATTERNS & THEIR MEANINGS
Monkey Wrench
This meant the slaves were to gather all the
tools they might need on the journey to
freedom. Tools meant: something with which
to build shelters, compasses for
determining direction, or tools to serve as
weapons for defending themselves.
Wagon Wheel
This was the second pattern to be
displayed, which signaled the slaves to pack
all the things that would go in a wagon or
that would be used during their journey. This
was a signal for the slaves to think about
what essentials they needed to survive
the trip.
Carpenter’s Wheel
(Wagon Wheel variation)
This pattern would have particular
significance to slaves skilled in a craft—
such as carpentry. (Other such patterns
might be: an Anvil, Circular Saw, Square and
Compass.) It was also a symbol to “steal
away”—a visual equivalent to the popular
spiritual “Steal Away”, which many slaves
knew and sang. The pattern told slaves
to “run with faith” to the west—
northwest territories.
Bear’s Paw
It’s believed that this pattern was
sometimes used to help fugitives follow the
path of the bear, and to identify landmarks
on the edge of the plantation.
Crossroads
Once through the mountains, slaves were to
travel to the crossroads. The main crossroad
was Cleveland, Ohio. Any quilt hung before
this one would have given directions to Ohio.
Log Cabin
This pattern was used to let the slaves know
where safe houses were. People who helped
the Underground Railroad may have identified
themselves as friends to slaves on the run by
tracing this pattern in dirt as a signal. This
quilt told slaves to look for this symbol on
their journey to freedom. It was also a
symbol to set up a “home” in a free state.
Shoofly
Little is known about this pattern. It is
believed that Shoofly refers to an actual
person who might have aided escaping slaves.
Bow Ties
Slaves’ clothes were often tattered and easy
to spot. This pattern meant that someone
would bring the slave nice clothes to help
them blend in with the free blacks.
Flying Geese
This pattern told the slaves to follow
migrating geese north towards Canada and
to freedom. This pattern was used as
directions as well as the best season for
slaves to escape. Geese fly north in the
spring and summer. Flying geese pointed to
the direction, north, for the slaves to move.
Also, geese would have to stop at waterways
along their journey in order to rest and eat.
Slaves were to take their cues on direction,
timing and behavior from the migrating geese.
Drunkard’s Path
This was a clear warning for the slaves to
move in a staggering fashion so as to elude
any following slave hunters. It was suggested
that slaves even double back to elude
their pursuers.
North Star (Evening Star/Star)
This instructed the slaves to follow the
North Star to Canada and to freedom.
Tumbling Blocks (Boxes)
This signaled to the slaves—by the number
of boxes and knots—the time to “box up” all
one’s belongings in preparation to escape.
Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
Underground Railroad Quilt Guide
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
3. After reading together the information about each
quilt block:
• Offer children art supplies (crayons, markers, assorted
paper, wrapping paper, fabric scraps and scissors).
• Have them trim the squares along the lines, then fill in the
squares with color, patterns and textures.
• Tell children to create quilt squares with hidden meanings.
Remind them that colors, patterns, textures, “stitches”
and “knots” (drawn on with a fine line marker), can each
indicate a coded symbol.
• Children can create individual squares which may be taped
or quilted together as a class quilt, or they may create
individual quilts by gluing a number of completed squares
to lengths of craft paper which can then be displayed on
walls and hallways.
4. Invite children to write essays describing the symbolism
present in their quilt square(s).
QUILT PATTERNS & THEIR MEANINGS
Monkey Wrench
This meant the slaves were to gather all the
tools they might need on the journey to
freedom. Tools meant: something with which
to build shelters, compasses for
determining direction, or tools to serve as
weapons for defending themselves.
Wagon Wheel
This was the second pattern to be
displayed, which signaled the slaves to pack
all the things that would go in a wagon or
that would be used during their journey. This
was a signal for the slaves to think about
what essentials they needed to survive
the trip.
Carpenter’s Wheel
(Wagon Wheel variation)
This pattern would have particular
significance to slaves skilled in a craft—
such as carpentry. (Other such patterns
might be: an Anvil, Circular Saw, Square and
Compass.) It was also a symbol to “steal
away”—a visual equivalent to the popular
spiritual “Steal Away”, which many slaves
knew and sang. The pattern told slaves
to “run with faith” to the west—
northwest territories.
Bear’s Paw
It’s believed that this pattern was
sometimes used to help fugitives follow the
path of the bear, and to identify landmarks
on the edge of the plantation.
Crossroads
Once through the mountains, slaves were to
travel to the crossroads. The main crossroad
was Cleveland, Ohio. Any quilt hung before
this one would have given directions to Ohio.
Log Cabin
This pattern was used to let the slaves know
where safe houses were. People who helped
the Underground Railroad may have identified
themselves as friends to slaves on the run by
tracing this pattern in dirt as a signal. This
quilt told slaves to look for this symbol on
their journey to freedom. It was also a
symbol to set up a “home” in a free state.
Shoofly
Little is known about this pattern. It is
believed that Shoofly refers to an actual
person who might have aided escaping slaves.
Bow Ties
Slaves’ clothes were often tattered and easy
to spot. This pattern meant that someone
would bring the slave nice clothes to help
them blend in with the free blacks.
Flying Geese
This pattern told the slaves to follow
migrating geese north towards Canada and
to freedom. This pattern was used as
directions as well as the best season for
slaves to escape. Geese fly north in the
spring and summer. Flying geese pointed to
the direction, north, for the slaves to move.
Also, geese would have to stop at waterways
along their journey in order to rest and eat.
Slaves were to take their cues on direction,
timing and behavior from the migrating geese.
Drunkard’s Path
This was a clear warning for the slaves to
move in a staggering fashion so as to elude
any following slave hunters. It was suggested
that slaves even double back to elude
their pursuers.
North Star (Evening Star/Star)
This instructed the slaves to follow the
North Star to Canada and to freedom.
Tumbling Blocks (Boxes)
This signaled to the slaves—by the number
of boxes and knots—the time to “box up” all
one’s belongings in preparation to escape.
Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
Underground Railroad Quilt Guide
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
Introduction
The Underground Railroad is an important part of American
history—yet it is difficult for children to understand what the
Underground Railroad was and how African slaves, known as
fugitives, “rode” it to freedom. This quilt poster and guide is
packed with ideas for helping children study the Underground
Railroad by learning about the quilts—and the secret escape
codes quilters stitched into them to guide their people
to freedom.
Included in this Really Good Stuff
®
kit you will find:
• Full-color poster, 19" by 24", featuring the Underg r o u n d
R a i l r oad map and Quilt Pa t t e r n s
• Reproducible quilt patterns
• This Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Prior to 1860, America captured and enslaved about four million
Black people from Africa. Slavery came about because
Americans needed workers to do the difficult labor on the
sprawling plantations that stretched across the South, and
because slave-traders saw an opportunity to make a great deal
of money buying and selling slaves.
From the beginning, slaves tried to escape from owners. But
attempting an escape, or helping someone else to escape, was
dangerous and could result in severe punishment or death. The
Underground Railroad is the name for the secret route fugitives
took to escape to freedom. It was so named because fugitives
who tra veled on it just seemed to vanish as if tra v e l i n g
underground. It was, of course, not a real railroad, but rather a
series of safe hiding places called “stations.” The people who
helped the fugitives travel from one station to the next were
known as “railroad workers.” The people who helped fugitives get
food and places to sleep were known as “station masters.”
People who worked and tra veled on the Railroad used secre t
codes to learn the routes from one safe place to the next.
R e s e a rchers recently learned that an Underg r ound Railroad Quilt
Code existed to guide fugitives to freedom. Because it was illegal
in slave-holding states to teach slaves to read, slaves could not
communicate with each other in writing. But, because slaves of all
b a c k g rou nds shared an oral history of storytelling coupled with a
knowledge of textile production and African art—an art form
which embodies African symbolic systems and designs—t h e y
d i s c o v e red they we re able to communicate complex messages in
the stitches, patterns, designs, colors and fabrics of the
American quilt. To memorize the code, re s e a rchers believe
f u g i t i ves used a sampler quilt, with blocks arranged in order of
the code. The patterns told slaves how to get ready to escape,
what to do on the trip, and where to go.
Once stitched, the coded quilts were “aired” out the windows of
slave cabins, acting as secret maps for slaves brave and
desperate enough to make the dangerous trek from South to
North, from slavery to freedom. Researchers today are excited
about unraveling the mysteries behind the Underground Railroad
Quilt codes. And your students will be excited to use this kit to
help design their own coded quilt squares. Twelve quilt patterns
were used to direct the slaves to take particular action.
Directions for Creating a Coded Quilt Map
1. Begin by sharing this poster front, plus read-aloud books and
background information about the Underground Railroad and
coded quilts with your class. Here are some resources to
consider exploring:
• The Secret To Freedom by Marcia Vaughan (Lee & Low
Books, 2001). A young slave girl and her older brother, in
the days before the Civil War, help slaves escape to
freedom using the Underground Railroad quilt code.
• The Patchwork Path by Bettye Stroud (Candlewick Press,
2005). This book tells how Hannah and her Papa escaped
from slavery along the Underground Railroad. The quilt
that Hannah and her late mother made together offers
clues in the quilt blocks.
• Almost To Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
(Carolrhoda Books, 2003). A tattered rag doll named
Sally relates how a young girl and her parents embark on
the dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad in
their quest for freedom.
2. Copy a supply of quilt square patterns in this kit. These
re p r esent some of the most common quilt blocks used in
coded quilts.
(Tip: To make squares more sturd y, mount squares on
construction paper before cutting apart . )
Really Good Stuff
®
Activity Guide
Underground Railroad Quilt Guide
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
All activity guides can be found online:
Helping Teachers Make A Difference
®
©2005 Really Good Stuff
®
1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com #154227
