Before the first contact with Western people, the Hawaiians made a type of quilt called a Kapa, which was made by pounding the bark of the Wauke (Mulberry) tree into a fabric on which they could print geometric and snowflake designs.
The Islanders applied these ideas and used their natural surroundings as inspiration. You will find the trees, native birds, animals and flowers in most Hawaiian snowflake quilt designs.
Missionary women introduced fabric into the art of Hawaiian quilting to natives of the Hawaiian Islands in 1820. For a long time Hawaiian quilt designs were considered tapu (taboo) and restricted from view by anyone outside a family or destroyed completely. We're happy to say that Hawaiian Snowflake quilts and designs are making a comeback and many talanted artists are busy producing beautiful snowflake patterns and teaching others the fascinating art of Hawaiian quilting.
Traditionally, your first snowflake pattern should be a Breadfruit design so you will have a fruitful life and never lack wisdom or knowledge.
Printable Hawaiian Snowflake Quilt Gift Wrap.
Use paper and scissors to design your own Hawaiian Snowflake Patterns and Appliqué
Paper Hawaiian Snowflake folding patterns are available to help you get started.
Native leaves, flowers and other natural beauty inspire Hawaiian snowflake designs. You can see leaves of the Breadfruit, Papaya, Ti and Palm trees, blossoms of Official State and Island flowers, lilies, Plumeria, Orchids, and plant leaves such as Monstera (Split-Leaf philodendron) and Ferns in Hawaiian designs.
Sometimes the artist will use images of animals such as the dolphin and sea turtle, or renderings of ancient rock carvings which are called Petroglyphs.
