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This illustrated sewing primer was published in 1881 to teach young girls the art of sewing. Included in the book are individual lessons and a collection of related songs, such as "The Patchwork Quilt."

This book was published in 1884 and features instructions for sewing fancy patterns on quilts and other items.

This photo depicts the interior of the Negro building of the 1896 Atlanta Exposition where Harriet Powers's Bible Quilt is displayed.

This photograph depicts a staged scene of a common 1800s activity, the quilting bee.

This quilt was created by an unknown group of ladies in South Reading, Massachusetts, and donated to the Yale Engine Company No. 1 in July 1853. It is likely the commemorative quilt was used to raise funds for a new engine house.

This quilt was made by Susan Rogers of Brooklyn, New York, in 1867. Each of the 25 blocks features a unique design and the name or initials of a family member.

Susannah Pullen and 14 members of her Maine Sunday school class made this quilt in 1863 in accordance with U.S. Sanitary Commission guidelines for Civil War bedding. The ladies penned over 150 inscriptions onto the quilt, including Bible verses,…

Nancy Ward Butler made this quilt in memory of her granddaughter, Nancy Adelaide Butler, who died in 1842 of scarlet fever. Such quilts were expressions of mourning and were thought to have provided a way to work through grief.

Mary Rockhold Teter made this quilt in 1861 for her son, George Teter, a Union soldier from Indiana. The 34 stars in the center and along the border represent the number of states during the Civil War years.

Esther Coates Wileman made this quilt for her daughter, Flora, who died as a young child. She received her medical degree in Philadelphia while completing this Carpenter's Wheel patterned work.