They've long been overshadowed by quilts, but overshot coverlets deserve their own place in the sun.
The nubby-textured textiles, loomed from wool and cotton into arresting geometric patterns, first migrated to America from Europe in the 1770s. Later, industrial mills replicated the handcrafted heirlooms, and today these versions are plentiful at antique fairs and on Etsy.
While flawless finds are rare, the fragments are just as vibrant. Upcycle them with these easy ideas, and weave some style and history into your home.
BENCH WARMERS
A neutral nook gets a big dose of patterned pizazz with pillow covers. An envelope-back style fashioned from a vintage overshot blanket, and others from Family Heirloom Weavers, a third-generation mill in Red Lion, Pa. create high-quality, machine-washable reproductions.
Pine Cone Bloom pillows in (from left) Brown/Black and Navy/Red; and Tennessee Trouble pillow, in Navy/White, $35 each, familyheirloomweavers.com. Interior Define Ines bench in Chalk, $595, interiordefine.com.
DINING VROOM
You don't need to go to great lengths to make a stunner of a runner. Just cut a 14-inch-wide undamaged section from a ripped or holey blanket, hem the edges, and your table is set. Chairs reupholstered in a mix of motifs will also bring graphic punch to the scene.
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son CH327 dining table in Oak Lacquer (similar to shown), $6,700, danishdesignstore.com. Eric Bonnin Kam bowls in Black, $135 and $65, ericbonninceramics.com. Bob Dinetz Pistachio pitcher, $218, bloomist.com.
DREAM WEAVERS
Prized for their lightweight warmth, durability and artful color combinations, overshot blankets decorated beds from New England to the Southern seaboard states during the 1800s. Come springtime, you can carry on the tradition. An antique cream-and-dark-peach coverlet lends instant character to a sleek canopy bed, and a modern lumbar pillow in an equally bold motif bridges the past and the present.
Women of Oaxaca Viento lumbar pillow (similar to shown), $225, the-citizenry.com. Ikea Yttervag bed in Black, $499, ikea.com. Ballard Designs Jonah side table, $699, ballarddesigns.com. Folk Abigail ball lamp in Black Glaze, $499, rejuvenation.com.
REMNANT REVIVAL
Geometric grids are the hallmarks of overshot weaving, so why not display those details like artwork? Minimalist frames focus attention squarely on intricate lines. To make your own, trim a fragment to the desired size and apply liquid seam sealant (like Dritz Fray Check) along the edges to prevent unraveling. Dab fabric glue on the back of the material — at the center and corners — to hold it in place.
Blick wood gallery frames in Natural, from $25 each, dickblick.com. West Elm multi-mat gallery frame, 16 inches by 20 inches in Wheat (center), $95, westelm.com.
MIXED BAGS
Another striking idea for overshot scraps: Jazz up plain canvas totes. Snip a rectangle of material slightly larger than your carryall's middle section, hem the raw edges and adhere it with iron-on fabric fusing. That's personal style for the long haul.
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote open-top bags in Natural, from $25 each, llbean.com. Muuto Dots large wooden coat hook in Mustard, $37, finnishdesignshop.com.
