In the 18th century, Americans began consuming unnecessary things. For example, people would buy plates with exquisite arts not because they genuinely need, but to put on display for others see. This conspicuous consumption is apparent more so among the higher class than the lower level mostly because they must prioritize and differentiate true necessities. Colonists shift from using homemade to premium fabric, without knowing quilts and coverlets became a unifying factor American society.

During the early colonial period, colonists imported linen and wool as a token from home. As the desire for textiles increased the, now colonists switched from wool to cotton because of the more accessible access. There are two types quilts: homemade and commercial. People began to stray away from quilts made of old clothes to purchase premium pieces of cloths. These premium fabrics had scenes of our past presidents, such as The Victory of Washington and The Apotheosis of Franklin. Another design people used for quilts and coverlets during this time was block printing.  Block printing is when you stamp ink on to a regular piece of fabric repeatedly to create a uniform pattern.