Hand quilting was no longer as detailed as it had been in earlier times. The unique art of Amish quilting might have declined to utilitarian craft if it were not for the discovery of Amish quilts by the general population. With the approach of the bicentennial in 1976 Americans became very interested in their past and in the process discovered the unique art of Amish quilting. Amish quilts became a popular item and Amish women began to produce quilts to be sold. Quilts continue to be made by the Amish for family use.
Women make quilts for weddings, babies, friendship and as fund-raisers.
Because the women are often busy in the garden and helping with the farming in the milder months, most of the quilt making has always been done in the winter. Young mothers may find little time for quilting but many grandmothers produce a number of quilts. Although more quilts are being made for sale, quilting continues to be an important part of family and community life as well. Amish quilts continue to be a source of inspiration to quilters. Modern quit artists are using black with solid colors and discovering the beauty in such basic designs that represent a more basic life.