Traditionally a women-only space the purpose was for the communal work to complete the quilt and as a social event or party.
[1] The production of textiles created some of the approved social gatherings for women during the 19th century, with quilting bees being occasions for both collaborative work and time with loved ones.
While the primary purpose of the bee was to help each woman finish a quilt, its true significance was the chance it provided for women to "swap news, share recipes, offer home remedies, exchange fabric scraps, discuss personal issues, learn new techniques, and teach their daughters".
Quilting bees ranged from a spontaneous meeting of nearby family or friends to events that had a significant amount of people.
Even those lacking skill in sewing were welcomed, since their culinary abilities could be utilized to create a feast at the day's conclusion.
[3] Men frequently participated in the festivities that followed the end of a quilting bee, and these events often resulted in romantic interactions.
The quilting bee's status as a social event in the 19th century is supported by the many "references, diaries, paintings, poetry, and songs".
[2] Custom was that every young girl aimed to possess 13 quilts for her marriage dowry, kept in her dower check by the time she wed.