Later on, with a larger number of fabrics becoming cheaper and more available, women could now piece or applique the top of the quilt in predetermined patters or designs, and then the patterns could be varied and elaborated upon. Quilts no longer had to be only utilitarian in use. One of the methods for creating pieced quilts from this time period was to use leftover or old newspapers. The newspapers were cut into the pattern or design pieces and then the fabric was stitched or appliqued onto the newspaper. One of the oldest American quilts identified was identified by uncovering the newspaper below the fabric to reveal the date information.

The War of Independence gave an opportunity for settlers of different backgrounds to exchange cultural values and ideas. Patriotism was high and Americans were encouraged to produce their own goods and style. In time, there would be less dependency upon imitating European styles and a consequent rise of an indigenous American style and taste.
During the nineteenth century, quilt making flourished in America. Quilt makers everywhere seemed to compete with each other by creating geometric patterns, one more dazzling than another. Probably of equal importance in advancing the quilting tradition was the opportunity it afforded to socialize. Many times women would form a quilting bee, to both accomplish the making of a quilt but also to interact with other women. In many isolated areas, the quilting bee was the only source of social contact that many women had with each other.

Quilting did not originate within the United States and there is actually some argument over where quilting became popular within the States. The colonists who immigrated from Europe brought a heritage rich in needlework and quilting but they did not bring any quilts with them. Some believe that quilting began with these first settlers coming off of the Mayflower. However, opponents of that view believe that the Puritans would not have possessed quilts because during that time period quilts were a luxury item owned only by the rich and especially not the Puritans. Many believe that quilting began with the Virginia Settlers because they were more wealthy and conscientious of class. It is agreed though that immigrants to the New World brought along their strong sense of quilting and help quickly popularize various different patterns. Conditions in the States was conducive to the making and use of quilts, though it is assumed that the quilts that were made during the first years of settlement were considerably more utilitarian than decorative, as they are today.