Sunbonnet Sue – from a plain beginning as a drawing to a superstar, here is her story and how she has been used in quilts and quilting.
The History and Mystery of Sunbonnet Sue
You might know her as a redwork design, or perhaps an applique on a 30’s quilt. But like all young women, she has a history…
Sunbonnet Sue began her existence in the 1870’s in England as an illustration in greeting cards, although she looked a bit different then. The illustrator, Kate Greenaway, was the daughter of a seamstress so her designs were pretty elaborate. However, she soon began simplifying her designs for use in children’s books.
In the late 1800’s, Americans Bertha Corbett and Eulalie Osgood Grover teamed up to write a series of nine books featuring Molly and May, the Sun-bonnet Babies. These babies had their heads covered by a large sunbonnet and expressed their feeling through the actions they took. They might walk the dog, carry books, pick flowers to give to a friend, or even get into a bit of mischief.
These images later began being used as redwork designs. By 1910, Sue was an applique motif, reaching fame and fortune by the the 1930’s. She was an easy design for beginners to make with a large sunbonnet hiding her face, a dress shaped like a bell with capped sleeves, and shoes just barely peeking out from underneath. She was lots of fun to embellish, much like the paper dolls of the time period.
Fun Fact:
Bertha Corbett also designed the Old Dutch Cleanser girl logo. Could that be why sometimes Sunbonnet Sue is called the Old Dutch Girl or Dutch Doll? I wonder if the Old Dutch Cleaner girl logo has any relation to Morton’s Salt girl logo?
Sunbonnet Sue was a cheery soul, always working on fun activities, ready to bring happiness into the Great Depression. Often made using scraps, she showed up everywhere in the house, not just in quilts. She was a happy face on dish towels and pillowcases, as well as covering holes in tablecloths and even clothes.
As Sue got older, she evolved once again into Holly Hobbie, that 1970’s design that seemed to be on every girls lunchbox.
And I can’t help but feel she was the inspiration for the Grim Ripper by Terry Chilko
Like any famous figure, Sunbonnet Sue has her critics. The Bee There quilters of Austin, Texas created a quilt called Scandalous Sue. In this quilt she drinks, smokes, and is pregnant. No doubt by Overall Sam, AKA Overall Andy or Farmer Boy, her counterpart who has a hat covering his face.
The Seamsters Local 500 of Lawrence, Kansas created a quilt they named “The Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue,” showing Sue’s death by hanging, lighting strike, nuclear fallout, etc. Barbara Brackman has a fun post post on various types of Sues – my goodness, she does get into trouble!
Be sure to see Barbara Brackmans post on rogue Sues, too.
Applique Design
Here is a very general applique design for Sue. You can change any aspect of the motifs – she has been many things over the years! Put ribbons on her hat, braids on her back or flowers on her apron. She is YOUR Sunbonnet Sue.
If you have an Accuquilt machine, the die is available here.
No matter how you feel about Sunbonnet Sue, you have to admit it’s a sunshine design. Do you have a Sunbonnet Sue quilt in your family? Send me your picture and I will share it here! My email address is phoebemoondesigns@gmail.com.
Share your stories!
 Shared by Kris |  An Ebay find |  Accuquilt pattern – click on the picture |
 Shared by Kelly M, these were from her grandmother |  Made by Louella Engle Brubaker around 1945. Shared by her granddaughter. The pink sashing is probably bias tape. |
Have another tip to offer? Send it to me or reply below and I will add it here.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Once a week, I send updates on quilt-related information I have found while wandering the web. This might be an inspiring article, a tip or tutorial I have discovered (or written), and occasionally exclusive offers & discounts as well as immediate access to the secret page of free patterns, guides, and printables. You can follow my page on Facebook, or join the Make Believe Quilters group, too.