The history of patchwork quilting in America dates back to the first New England colonists. Most had brought quilted coverlets with them, but they quickly discovered that the harsh winters demanded far more substantial blanketing. Fabric was scarce and the women stitched together whatever bits and scraps were at hand to create larger pieces of cloth. These early patchworks were probably sewn randomly, in the style known as crazy quilt, but as fabric became more available simple geometric motifs were developed, and patchwork quoting began to evolve into a genuine American art form.

As patterns grew more elaborate, certain designs became popular and were christened with names such as Drunkard’s Path, Sunshine and Shadow, and Wild Goose Chase. The patchwork  block system also came into use, which broke the quilt design down into smaller units that were set together to make the whole quilt.

When a top was completed, it was the practice to hold a quilting bee to stitch together the top, bottom, and stuffing. These bees were social events as well as work sessions and were attended by menfolk and children as well as women.

Anything from cattail fluff to pieces of rags, old blankets, and cotton batting were used to stuff a quilt. Nowadays polyester batting has become the most popular choice for quilt stuffing. It is warm, resilient, and holds up well in laundering. Early patchwork quilts were sewn entirely by hand, but today a sewing machine can be used to stitch the patches together and even do some of the quilting. Purists, however, insist that only by hand stitching can the true spirit of the patchwork quilt be captured.