1930s Quilts

Publication 14th July 2026

Search Press 1930s Quilts by Carolyn Forster 0 front A cover

Explore the creativity of the Great Depression era with 10 stunning step-by-step quilts.

Embark on a fascinating, hands-on journey through the unique history, style and ingenuity of American Depression-era quilting, and create 10 stunning 1930s-style quilts of your own.

In this unique and beautiful book from quilt extraordinaire Carolyn Forster, explore and celebrate the incredible designs created by America’s quiltmakers during the 1930s by making 10 quilts of your own, all inspired by the period’s techniques, motifs and colourways. Nearly one hundred years on, their ingenuity still contains inspiration for quilters around the world.

  • A small historical chapter sets the scene, describing the fascinating and tumultuous backdrop of the quilts and their makers.
  • There are 10 themed quilts to sew, each inspired by a different key feature of 1930s quilting from using repurposed feedsacks and upcycled linens to key piecing and quilting styles, plus the use of redwork embroidery.
  • Every quilt project includes a detailed requirements list, clear step-by-step instructions with construction diagrams, and beautiful photographs of the finished quilt.
  • Full-size templates are included.
  • For readers needing a refresher, a detailed techniques section on making quilts is given at the back of the book.
  • A foreword by the curator of the American Museum & Gardens in Bath in the UK, Kate Hebert, provides a captivating overview of the period and book.
  • Photographs of beautiful 1930s quilts from the museum’s collection offer mouth-watering examples of what the makers before us have achieved.

This is a one-of-kind book that gives you the opportunity to unearth and recreate the incredible workmanship of America’s quilters who, in spite of economic and political instability, created stunning quilts that are brimming with colour, ingenuity and creativity.

Publication 14th July 2026

TO PRE-ORDER…
Ask at your local patchwork and quilting shop.

FOR DELIVERY TO THE UK
Search Press
Amazon

FOR DELIVERY TO THE USA
Amazon

SIGNED COPIES
Available directly from Carolyn Forster

Search Press 1930s Quilts by Carolyn Forster 0 front A cover

Table of Contents

Foreword

Hello and Welcome

A Small History of 1930s Quilts

The Quilts

  • Historical Technique No.1: Using Solids
    Ric-Rac Baskets Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.2: Fine Hand Quilting
    Scrap Basket Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.3: Complex Piecing
    Grandmother’s Prize Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.4: Using White Fabric
    Endless Chain Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.5: Friendship and Community
    Friendship Garden Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.6: Embroidering Quilts
    Embroidered Linen Squares Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.7: Black Accents
    Split Nine-Patch Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.8: Using Feedsacks
    Five-Patch Star Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.9: Using Scraps
    Scrap Doll Quilt
  • Historical Technique No.10: Redwork Embroidery
    Redwork Cot Quilt

Patchwork and Quilting Basics

Templates

Glossary

Index