Quilts were the most colorful bed coverings of the 19th century and were valued for their color and quilting designs as well as for the warmth they gave. A quilt is made of three layers of cloth - a top and a backing with a filling of cotton or wool. The 3 are sewn together, often in fancy patterns. The number of patterns doubled between 1825 and 1850. Today there are more than 4000 patterns, 20 times more than in 1850.