TEACHER'S GUIDE TO

History and Folklife of the Kentucky Frontier

CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

A Frontier Bed

Frontier emigrants made bedding from whatever was available.  A ticking mattress 
could be stuffed with leaves, straw, Spanish moss, or corn shucks.  Blankets, quilts, and 
comforters provided warmth.Sheets and pillow cases generally were not used.

Mattress:
     Cut two 4'x2' pieces of unbleached muslin or other inexpensive fabric.  Sew the 
pieces together on three sides.  Stuff the open side with dried leaves, corn shucks, or 
straw.  Stitch closed the open end or hot glue a piece of velcro. 

Tufted Comforter:
     Cut two 4'x2 pieces of calico or other printed material.  Cut one piece of cotton 
batting or poly filler the same size as the calico.  An old blanket, piece of towel, or 
piece of heavy outing flannel can be used instead of the batting.
     On a flat surface, smooth out one piece of the printed fabric (right side up) and 
lightly score it with chalk, marking it into six inch squares.  Set aside.
     Lay the unmarked piece of calico face down on a flat surface and smooth out all 
the wrinkles. Place the filler on top of the fabric, matching edges.  Place the scored 
piece of calico on the batting,chalked side up, matching edges.  Secure the three 
pieces together in about a dozen places with safety pins.
     To tuft, thread a neele with light weight yarn, embroidery floss, or heavy thread 
and make a half-inch long stitch through the three layers.  Tie the threads in a secure 
knot on the top side.  Repeat at each corner of the marked squares.
     Bind or stitch the edges together.
     Let the students take turns stretching out on the homemade mattress and covering 
up with the tufted comforter.  After everyone has a chance to rest on the bed, discuss:
     --the comfort (or lack of comfort) of the mattress
     --the reason leaves, straw, and corn shucks were used for the mattress
     --the problems of keeping such bedding clean

This activity comes from A Teacher's Guide to Pioneer Life in South Central Kentucky, by

Nancy Disher Baird and Carol Crowe-Carraco.