The high school here in Maine require all students make pillow cases and a quilt.
I have done a quilt here and there for 44 years.
I don't know if it was more common or not but I do have quilts my great grand Mother made out of necessity. she and made soap and took in laundry.
Also looking at her quilts and knowing that my great Grandfather used to dissaper to Canada
I believe some of her quilts were done for the underground Rail Road.I think maybe my Great Grandfather may have aided in there transfer.