This means that only one side of a corner construction would show the joinery style being employed

This means that only one side of a corner construction would show the joinery style being employed. Some craftsmen went so far as to create feathered dovetails which required precise cutting and more skill to create since the wood connections would be much finer for a neater appearance. These blanket storage chests are handmade in the same manner as they were in Colonial times, many by skilled Amish wood workers. Open dovetail joinery was made by some craftsmen using a right angle cut pattern. This method is still favored among craftsmen today. Dovetailed blanket chest furniture also shows off the talent of the wood worker's skill because it requires precise cuts into the hardwood to create the tight corner fits.com. Dower chests, better known today as blanket chests or hope chests, desks, cupboards and cabinets normally were constructed with open dovetails, so that the joinery was noticeable from both angles. Another method in this style, that other craftsmen employed, gave the cuts a slightly different angle that appeared to be a zig zag type pattern. Dovetailing gives furniture pieces a neat, finished appearance. It was very common for the name of the person receiving the blanket chest and the date to be carved either on the front or on the inside of the lid. polyester color yarn This ensured a tighter,longer lasting corner joint which could not be pulled apart.

Sometimes the Colonial craftsmen would choose to make hope chests with concealed dovetails for the face front side so that nothing would detract from the extra details he choose to add. Concealed single dovetails would have been used in the making of smaller items and drawers, while concealed multiple dovetails would have been employed when creating larger furniture pieces for greater stability. Drawers were usually made with both types of dovetail joinery.

Very pleasing examples of antique reproduction blanket chests handcrafted with dovetail joinery can be found at Blanket Chest Heirlooms. Antique admirers are very fond of this style since the great craftsmanship of every hope chest is openly on display and gives it a nostalgic quality. This meant that the straight cuts had to be perfect for the corners to fit tightly together. There were varied lengths and shapes of concealed dovetail joints depending on the furniture type.

Aside from the open joinery methods, there were the concealed dovetail methods. There were very logical reason for them to use this joinery type. Carved designs were greatly favored and usually included vines with floral touches.Colonial craftsmen, especially those who lived in Pennsylvania, preferred to use a joinery style known as dovetailing when creating their blanket chests.


There are two basic choices of dovetail joinery- open and concealed. The designs and the colors chosen had special meanings so that every blanket chest was a unique gift. Colorful painted designs were also very popular among the wood craftsmen, especially those who originally came from Germany. The back of the drawer would usually have the open dovetails while the front would have been made with concealed dovetails so that no connection would be seen once the drawer was closed