The Decorative Arts Collection at the Illinois State Museum has almost 300 quilts dating from the 1830s to the 1990s. Quilting has always been a popular folk art.

Eighteenth century British immigrants brought quilting to the United States. People who moved into Illinois brought their quilts with them and made more after they arrived. Their descendants made more quilts. 

In our collection you may see a quilt similar to one in your family, or simply one that you love to look at. You may find a design you want to make into a quilt of your own. Maybe you will take inspiration from a quilt to create your own designs with geometric shapes. 

Here you can also learn about the patterns, the techniques, the symbolism, the fabrics, and the makers of Illinois quilts.