While the term “rug” today refers to a small floor covering, this usage developed only in the early 19th century. Previously, one of its meanings was a type of heavy coverlet. Most early bed rugs were one color made of heavy cloth and imported to the colonies. By contrast, the tradition of these bed rugs is one of needlework in the home, representing a commitment of time, materials, and skill, and often becoming treasured family heirlooms. Only sixty surviving examples are known.

Most of the surviving bed rugs came from Connecticut, but they were made in other New England colonies and states. Many of the Connecticut examples originated in New London County, including this bed rug. Reaching across the southeastern corner of Connecticut, New London County enjoyed stability and prosperity from farming and maritime businesses, giving rise to households with the resources to create these spectacular bed coverings.

Jerusha Foote Johnson likely made this rug, initialed I. I. and dated 1782, in Colchester, Connecticut, one of a family whose women created several surviving bed rugs. In 1779, Jerusha married Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Johnson, and she made this rug in the latter years of the war, when access to imported textiles was curtailed. Using several shades of blue, she created her rug with a looped-pile face and a pattern of flowers and meandering vines, with the largest flower appearing to emerge from a pair of feather-like elements at the base of the design.