It helps to know the terminology when trying to understand any subject. We hope this glossary of quilting terms helps you understand this craft and ancient art form that’s as vital today as it was thousands of years ago. Quilting keeps evolving, and so do the terms and innovations.
- Quilt: A bed covering comprising three layers: the quilt top, batting (middle layer), and backing, all stitched together.
- Quilt Top: The decorative layer of the quilt is made by sewing together fabric pieces in a chosen pattern or design.
- Batting: The quilt’s insulating layer is sandwiched between the quilt top and backing, providing warmth and thickness.
- Backing: The bottom layer of the quilt, typically a single piece of fabric that complements the quilt top.
- Binding: Fabric strips finish the quilt’s raw edges, enclosing the layers and providing a decorative border.
- Block: A single unit of a quilt top, often repeated and arranged to form a pattern.
- Sashing: Strips of fabric used to separate and frame individual blocks within a quilt top.
- Quilting: Quilting is the process of stitching the layers of the quilt together, either by hand or machine, to create texture and hold the layers in place.
- Hand Quilting: Stitching is done by hand using a needle and thread, often in intricate patterns.
- Machine Quilting is stitching done using a sewing machine. It can involve simple, straight lines or complex designs.
- Quilting Frame: A wooden or metal frame used to hold the layers of the quilt taut while quilting, particularly for hand quilting.
- Quilting Stencil: A pre-cut template to guide quilting designs onto the quilt top.
- Quilting Hoop: A circular or oval frame with tension adjustment used to hold the quilt layers in place for hand quilting.
- Basting: Temporary stitches or pins are used to hold the layers of the quilt together before quilting.
- Quilt Block Patterns: Instructions or templates for creating specific block designs, often published in books or online.
- Patchwork: A quilting technique involving sewing together smaller pieces of fabric to create a larger design or pattern.
- Appliqué: A decorative technique where fabric shapes are sewn onto the quilt top to create designs or motifs.
- Quilt Guild: A community organization or group of quilters who gather to share skills, knowledge, and inspiration.
- Quilt Show: An event where quilts are displayed for public viewing, often featuring competitions, demonstrations, and vendors.
- Crazy Quilt: A quilt made from irregularly shaped fabric pieces, often embellished with embroidery and decorative stitching.
- Sampler Quilt: A quilt of various block designs showcasing different quilting techniques or patterns.
- Quilt Label: A small fabric square attached to the back of the quilt, typically containing information about the quiltmaker, date, and occasion.
- Stitch in the Ditch is a quilting technique in which stitches are made along the seams between fabric pieces to secure the layers.
- Quilt Batting: The material used for the middle layer of the quilt sandwich, available in various thicknesses and compositions such as cotton, wool, polyester, or blends.
- Quilt Design Wall: A large surface, often made of flannel or felt, used to lay out and arrange quilt blocks and pieces before sewing them together.
- Memory Quilt: A Memory Quilt is created to memorialize or commemorate a significant life event, family member, friend, or other special person. Often, the fabric used to sew the quilt comes from items of clothing or T-shirts to create the blocks or sashing.
- T-Shirt Quilt: This popular memory quilt is made from and incorporates T-shirts as a key or sole design element. The T-shirts can be from a family member or feature a design that includes the name or likeness of a celebrity, band, sports team, etc.
This glossary of quilting terms is not meant to be exhaustive, but we hope it helps folks new to quilting or even experts understand some of the most common terms. We will update this glossary as we expand this page, and we aim to be a great resource for your quilting restoration and creation needs.