The Enduring Impact of Virginia’s Mountain Crafts

Step into a world where hands meticulously weave intricate patterns into baskets, needles dance across multicolored fabrics, and wood blocks are carved into musical instruments. This is the world of Virginia’s mountain crafts, artful traditions that have endured for centuries — and continue on today.

Each with its own technique and style, many of Virginia’s mountain crafts once served a functional purpose, and have now evolved into admirable forms of beauty and artistic expression. Just a few of Virginia’s most beloved mountain crafts include basket weaving, quilting, and making instruments by hand.

Learn more about where you can experience these historic Virginia mountain crafts in person.

The Rich Heritage of Basket Weaving

Passed down through generations, basket weaving originally dates back to colonial days. In Virginia, white oak is typically the most common material used to make baskets because it is widely available in the region.

“People came from Europe, and European basketry is primarily willow,” said Julia Verba, who co-founded Shenandoah CREATES, an arts organization, with co-founder Liz Lewis. “Other than some willow, that was not the plentiful material [in Virginia]. So primarily in the Appalachian states, they used white oak.” 

As far as styles go, there are countless ways to make baskets. At the time when basketry began in Virginia, many people used a grid style — a traditional over-under-over-under pattern — better known as stake and strand. Then, the sides were pulled up in a rectangular or square shape

Baskets can also be made by arranging each splint like the spokes of a wheel. “When you pull those spokes up, you get a more rounded shape basket,” Verba explained.

Indigenous peoples had a significant impact on the style of basket weaving in the area as well. “They were very much into adding decorative elements. Occasionally, you’ll find older baskets that’ll have some color, or they’ll have a curl,” said Verba. These baskets, she explained, were either made by indigenous peoples or influenced by indigenous peoples’ unique style. 

Today, organizations like Shenandoah CREATES and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center in Abingdon offer artistic retreats, workshops, and classes for those who wish to learn and practice the art. Basket weaving has become an excellent way to create community and engage younger generations in a fun, fulfilling craft.

Stitching Stories Together

Deeply rooted in Virginia’s history, quilting is one of the oldest crafts in the region. During colonial times, quilting was influenced by European traditions, which soon evolved as time went on. Linen and wool were the primary materials used in quilt making.

Natural dyes made from plants and animals were originally used to create colorful quilts. Madder root, cochineal, and indigo leaves were all natural sources used to create brilliant colors. Later, in the nineteenth century, synthetic dyes became more common.

Quilts often carry personal stories because many are stitched together with a variety of fabrics in all sorts of patterns. From the 1700s to the mid-1800s, appliqué — ornamental needlework — became common and decorative designs emerged.

The invention of the sewing machine in the mid-1800s allowed quilting to become more of a pastime than a necessity. This also gave quiltmakers the opportunity to add more designs and patterns to their work.

You can see stunning quilts on display by taking a self-guided tour of the Blue Ridge Barn Quilt Trail, where quilts are displayed on barns, fences, buildings, and more. The setting is breathtaking with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop.

If you’re interested in learning more about quilting in Virginia, be sure to visit the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg. You can explore three floors of gallery space filled with historical, modern, and traditional quilts showcasing a variety of styles and techniques.

The Musical Craftsmanship of Making Instruments

In Virginia’s mountainous areas, the art of making handmade instruments, like fiddles, guitars, and banjos, lives on today as a cherished tradition. Thanks to the dedication of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, the art continues to be passed down over the years.

The Wayne Henderson School of Appalachian Arts offers workshops in instrument making, specifically for those interested in learning how to make a guitar. Wayne Henderson, the school’s namesake, is a renowned craftsman known for his excellence in guitar making. He has made instruments for Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Doc Watson.

At the school, you can enroll in a workshop where you’ll build one guitar in just one week. Henderson has been known to frequently visit the workshops and lend his insight where needed, a special treat for the students. As a local Virginia native, Henderson has unique insight into the art of instrument making in the Commonwealth.

To experience Virginia’s musical history for yourself, head to The Crooked Road, a 300-mile route in southwest Virginia, exploring the musical history of the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains. You can learn about some of the most well-known luthiers and fiddle makers there, such as Albert Hash, who taught Wayne Henderson the skill.

All in all, each artisan’s dedication, passion, and commitment shine through the masterpieces they create. The legacy of Virginia’s mountain crafts is alive and well thanks to their inspiring work and the support from those who appreciate their creativity. These crafts are not just hobbies but also an integral part of Virginia’s cultural identity.

The lasting impact of Virginia’s mountain crafts continues through the visitors and locals who carry the traditions forward. Each craft connects us back to the beginning of our history, which still resonates with us today.