Quilts came into being in the late 18th century and became popular in the 19th century. They were valued for their designs and the skill it took to produce them, as well as for the warmth they provided. A quilt is made of three layers – a top and backing enclose a filling of cotton or wool. The layers are held in place either by “tufting”- ties spaced throughout the quilt, or by stitching, often using elaborate patterns.