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American History through Quilting

Learn how quilting tells the stories of America's history from the first colonists to today's industry.

The history of America can be seen in the history of quilts. Quilting, as a communal act for American women, was born out of necessity at a time when fabric was scarce and expensive. The first colonists used woven blankets that were easier and less expensive to make or buy than quilts. As pioneer women moved westward. they learned to make do with whatever fabric they could get their hands on, repurposing old clothing or bed linens into patchwork quilts. In the 250 years since, quilting has become a massive multi-billion dollar industry including fabric sales, sewing machines, tools, books, and classes for millions of active quilters. Sit back and relax as Becky Horton, Johnson County resident and life-long quilter, shares how quilts have become documents of history, influenced by the culture and the environment of the people who made them.