In early America fabric was scarce and costly. Women patched the quilts they had brought with them to America with small pieces of fabric left over from making clothing or cut from old, worn-out clothes. Before long, the old quilts took on a whole new look. The patches on the quilts seemed to form designs. Where did people get their ideas for the designs? Eight Hands Round by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Jeanette Winter uses each letter of the alphabet to answer this question. The Quilt Block History of Pioneer Days by Mary Cobb with illustration by Jan Davey Ellis presents the history of American pioneers through the quilts they made and links common experiences of the period with various quilt patterns.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by James Ransome can be used in a discussion of the Underground Railroad.

The Promise Quilt by Candice F. Ransom and illustrated by Ellen Beier helps children experience life at home during the Civil War.

Selina and The Bear Paw Quilt by Barbara Smucker with illustrations by Janet Wilson also takes place during the Civil War and deals with the Mennonites and their beliefs about avoiding war and bloodshed.