The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA, currently has an exhibit called: “The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce” (May23 –August 30, 2026). It outlines the 250 year history of quilting in America showing it’s link to industry, politics and global trade. Beautiful and educational it is well worth the visit.
This exhibit shows how commerce, science, technology, and politics influenced how American quilts were made.
1850-1890s, Silk was imported from China, Japan and Europe. Luxury material became popular for making crazy quilts.
Other quilts of 1850-1890’s:
This is my favorite pattern:
All types of cloths were used, such as handkerchiefs, tobacco silks, feed & flour sacks, and old clothing.
These chromolithographic cards were used promote thread brands:
The 1st American sewing machine was invented by Walter Hunt in 1832. Isaac Singer improved the design in 1851 and introduced the 1st US electric models in 1889. The Bowers did not have any Singers on display.
1909 fabric label:
Thanks to rural mail delivery, the turn of the 20th century, mail order quilt patterns became popular.
1950 to 1980s gave rise to synthetic Fabrics.
A few more images:
There are over 11 Million active Quilt makers in the United States. If you've been to a quilt show you more likely have see most of these historic patters still in use.
Here’s a modern quilt filled with contemporary images.
