Civil War Quilts

Handmade quilt featuring rows of small diamond-shaped patchwork blocks in a variety of colors and patterns on a light background, separated by thin, horizontal striped fabric bands.

1861–1865: Civil War Era

The Civil War years brought patriotic themes to the forefront of quilt design. Traditional German motifs, spread through immigration, became more widespread, and bouquet-and-urn designs on white grounds were particularly popular. Memorial quilts made from the clothing of the deceased continued a tradition that dated to the Revolutionary War period.

Key dates:

  • The sewing machine with a modern lockstitch was developed in 1860 and quickly adopted for piecework, trapunto, and quilting
  • Commercially packaged dyes had been available since 1863, expanding color options for home quilters
  • Tan was a popular color choice throughout the 1860s and into the 1880s
  • Basket patterns began to be made with handles during this period