Yes, quilters do have their own language. Do you ever think “What are quilters talking about?”. We’ve rounded up some of the quilt terms and phrases that you hear frequently in a quilt shop or quilt guild meeting! Consider this the official quilting terms glossary and their definitions.
Here is our guide to basic quilt terms. You’ll find everything in alphabetical order. Our guide to quilt terms A – Z!
Appliqué
Appliqué is a quilting technique where a fabric element is secured to another piece of fabric. There are four primary techniques for appliqué: hand appliqué, machine appliqué, glue, fused appliqué and reverse appliqué. Another term used in appliqué is raw edge appliqué versus finished edge appliqué.
Hand Appliqué
Hand appliqué is generally done with the edge of.the elements to be appliquéd turned under and then the element carefully stitched by hand so the stitches don’t show. There are two methods to do this – needle turn appliqué or basted edge appliqué.
Machine Appliqué
Machine appliqué is when an element is attached to another fabric by sewing it with your sewing machine. The element might be pinned to the fabric, glued with fabric glue or fused. The stitch might be a satin stitch, blanket stitch or use one of the many decorative stitches on your machine.
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Glue or Fused Appliqué
Fused appliqué is really a glue that is melted between two piece of fabric when heated with an iron. Learn more about fusible web and its uses in our article. Also, there are some permanent fabric glues that can be used like Aleene’s Fabric Fusion.
Reverse Appliqué
Reverse appliqué is when a piece of fabric is placed under your primary fabric. A shape or design is stitched through both fabrics and then the top fabric is cut away close to the stitching line revealing the fabric underneath. Machine or hand stitching can be used for reverse appliqué.
One example of reverse appliqué is a traditional Mola from Panama and Columbia. They can be very detailed designs using multiple layers of fabric that are cut away to show the different fabrics in a design. Traditional Mola designs represent daily life and nature.
Finished Edge Appliqué
Finished edge appliqué is when no raw edges are exposed with an appliqué is applied. It can be done by hand or by machine.
Raw Edge Appliqué
Raw edge appliqué is when the raw edges are exposed on the finished quilt giving the surface texture. Read our article about raw edge appliqué. And, see another method with our raw edge appliqué tea towels.
Scribble Applique
This is a free form method of machine appliqué that helps secure fused appliqué pieces. See our Scribble Appliqué birds.
Art Quilt
What makes a quilt an art quilt? The question could also be what makes something art? Art quilts are generally hung on a wall. Learn more and browse through art quilts on Create Whimsy.
Backing
Also referred to as the quilt backing, this is the fabric layer on the the side of the quilt intended to be the back. It can be a single piece of fabric or pieced. Sometimes it is quite lovely!
Backstitch
When you backstitch you are securing the beginning and end of the seam. Some machines have a built in secure stitch to use. With older machine you stitch 2-3 stitches, reverse for a few and then begin (or end) your seam. This is done to make sure your seam is secure and doesn’t come apart. NOTE: this is different than an embroidery back stitch.
Baltimore Album Quilts
Baltimore Album quilts are beautiful appliqué quilts that take claim of originating in Baltimore Maryland. They use a variety of fabrics to create intricate quilt blocks each with their own design. Generally you’ll find beautiful wreaths, flowers, birds and other designs on the quilt blocks.
Basting
You’ve finished your quilt top, selected or pieced a backing now you are ready to sandwich your quilt. How do you keep the layers together until you can stitch your quilt? Baste the three layers together either by hand stitching with long stitches, use safety pins or there is spray basting glue you can use. CAUTION: If you use spray basting glue, use outside or in.a well ventilated area.
Batting
Batting is used as the middle layer in a quilt. This is also referred to as wadding. There are many types of batting. Make sure to select the one that is right for your project.
Bearding
Choosing the right batting is important. Buy quality batting and fabric. Bearding happens when fibers from the batting begin to show on the top (or back) of the quilt and they begin migrating through the layers. This is caused by poor batting or poor quality fabric. You don’t want to put all of the work into a quilt top and quilting only to have some bearding after wear or washing.
Bias
Sometimes you’ll read or hear the phrase ‘cut on the bias’. This is when you cut your fabric at a 45-degree angle from the selvedge. It is also referred to as ‘bias grain’. See our article about how to cut on the bias.
Bias Tape
Bias tape is made from strips of fabric cut on the bias, or you can purchase pre-made bias tape. It is used for binding quilts with non-straight edges. See our article on how to make bias tape.
Binding
Binding is one of the many ways to finish a quilt edge. Read our article on how to bind a quilt.
Bleeding
You don’t want this. This is when you wash a fabric the color runs into other fabrics. It is most common with hand dyed fabrics, but I’ve had it happen with commercially purchased fabrics, too.
I prewash all fabrics before they go into my sewing room. Two reasons, one is to get all of the protective finishes off of the fabrics that were put in during manufacturing and second to make sure the fabric doesn’t run.
You don’t want to make a quilt and then wash it and have the colors all over. Use a color grabber sheet when prewashing. If there is any color on the sheet, you know the fabric runs. Wash it until it quits bleeding.
Block
A quilt block is a single unit that has been sewn together that are put together you have a finished quilt top. The block can be a single fabric or pieced from multiple fabrics. Square quilt blocks are the most common, but they can be any shape – rectangles and triangles, too!
Blocking
Blocking is done to a finished block or a finished quilt. Either wet or steam the block (or quilt) and shape it to a proper square (or specified shape). For full quilts, some quilters have large tables or boards where they will mist the quilt, pin it to the board to exactly the right shape and let it dry.
BOM – Block of the Month
Block of the month programs are referred to as BOM. Many quilt shop and quilt designers offer programs where quilters can sign up to receive directions (sometimes the fabric, too!) for a quilt block. At the end of the program a quilter has enough completed blocks to make a quilt!
Border
A border is used on a quilt to accentuate the center design or make a quilt larger. Borders are strips of fabric added to the sides of a quilt. The border can be a single fabric or pieced to compliment the quilt design. They can be on all four side of the quilt, or just top and bottom or the two sides.
Broderie Perse
Popular in the 17th century when printed fabric was not readily available, broderie perse became popular. Quilters would make whole cloth quilts (quilts with a solid background) and appliqué cut outs from scraps of printed fabrics. Designs were created on the quilt top with the cut outs. Read our article all about broderie perse.
Challenge Quilt
Who doesn’t love a challenge? A challenge quilt can be pretty much any challenge. A group of quilters will decide on the theme for a challenge – using a specific fabric, a specific pattern or design, an ugly fabric, or whatever! The challenge is to make a quilt that fits the requirements. Some fabric manufacturer host challenges, some quilt guilds have their own challenges for members and some quilt shows offer up a challenge (or two).
Chain Piecing
Once you learn to chain piece you’ll sew together your quilts faster and easier! With chain piecing, you stack up the pieces for the quilt blocks next to your sewing machine and sew them one after another. Don’t cut the threads, just line up the next two pieces to be sewn together and sew!
Charm Pack
A charm pack is one of the quilting terms that if you aren’t a quilter you just don’t understand. It is a package of pre-cut fabrics in 5-inch squares. Generally a charm pack will feature a collection of fabrics from a designer or line of fabrics. They are great for quilts that have a variety of prints and you want to make sure all of the fabrics are coordinated. See our quick an easy project how to make coasters with charm packs.
Collage Quilt
A collage quilt is just like a paper collage but made with fabric and stitches instead of paper and glue! They can be abstract or realistic. Different quilting techniques can be used.
Color Wheel
A color wheel is used by all types of artists and makers. It visually organizes colors. There are several different versions of color wheels from the first one developed by Sir Isaac Newton. Color continues to be explored and researched. More recent versions are the Additive Color Wheel, the Munsell Color Wheel and the Subtractive Color Wheel.
Learn more about color in our series of articles explaining how colors work by MJ Kinman.
Continuous Line Quilting
Continuous line quilting is perfect for using your walking foot and for beginners. You start at one spot and continually sew – no starts and stops!
Cornerstones
Cornerstones are used with sashing in a quilt design. This is the block that appears between sashing strips that go around a block in a quilt top.
Crazy Quilt
Crazy quilting is a type of quilting that generally starts with a five-sided piece of fabric. These quilts were traditionally made with fabric scraps left over from making garments and were highly embellished with hand stitching. Read our article on how to make crazy quilts.
Design Wall
Design walls are used so that you can look at your quilt coming together. It can be a real wall that has foam insulation on it and is covered with batting or flannel, or just a piece of foam core that is covered. The key to a design wall is that it is covered in something that the fabric will stick to. Remember those felt story boards when you were a child? A design wall works just like that!
As you finish a quilt block, you can put it on your wall. It’s easy to play around with different quilt block layouts with a design wall.
Echo Quilting
Echo quilting is perfect for appliqué or landscape quilts. It is also referred to as shadow quilting. This is when you quilt you stitch around a design element several times giving it more attention.
English Paper Piecing
English Paper Piecing is also referred to as EPP. This is a quilt technique that uses small pieces of paper that are covered in fabric and then sewn together to create the quilt design. Paper templates can be cut or purchased. Read our detailed directions on English Paper Piecing and browse through EPP projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
Fat Eighth
A fat eighth has the same square foot as an eighth of a yard of fabric but has more usable fabric. It generally measures 9-inches by 20-22-inches wide.
Fat Quarter
A fat quarter has the same square foot as a quarter yard of fabric but has more usable fabric. A quarter yard is 9-inches by 40 to 45-inches wide. A fat quarter is twice as wide at 18-inches and is only 20 to 22-inches wide.
Feed Dogs
No you don’t really feed them! The feed dogs are under the presser foot on your sewing machine. They help ‘feed’ the fabric through the presser foot to create even stitches. Some quilters lower their feed dogs for free motion quilting.
Finger Pressing
When you are working on small pieces that continually need a new piece of fabric added, sometimes it is easier to finger press. Just open the seam and gently use your finger to press open the seam so that you can add the next fabric. Save the iron for when the block is complete.
Free Motion Quilting
Free motion quilting is one of the many quilting techniques to finish your quilt. This is referred to as stitching the three layers of your quilt together with an all over design that is not a straight stitch.
Foundation Piecing
Foundation piecing is when the quilt block is built on a foundation of either fabric or paper. The design is drawn or printed on the paper or fabric and the pieces are sewn in a specific order to create the quilt block. Browse through the articles and inspiration on foundation piecing on Create Whimsy. Learn about foundation paper piecing and how to foundation paper piece using freezer paper.
Fusible Web
Fusible web can be paper backed or not. There are a variety of brands and products on the market. It is used to attach two pieces of fabric together. Read all about fusible web and how to use it.
Fussy Cut
Do you want to highlight a special piece of fabric in your quilt? Maybe center that cute little puppy in an attic window quilt block? That is called fussy cutting. Use a clear acrylic template for cutting our the specific shape you need. With clear acrylic, you can see exactly how the print will be on your quilt block. Ready for advanced fussy cutting? Check out Chardel’s article on how to fussy cut EPP diamonds.
Hand Quilting
Hand quilting is when the quilt sandwich is held together with hand stitching. This is the way quilts were made until sewing machines were invented and popular. Now quilters can quilt on their domestic sewing machine, mid-arm or long-arm machines.
Honey Bun
No, it’s not a gooey sweet roll. But it is a roll of fabric that is cut 1-1/2 inch wide by width of fabric (WOF), generally 40-44-inches. The fabrics are from the same designer or collection and rolled up in a nice bun.
Interfacing
Interfacing is used on the wrong side of a fabric to give it additional stability. This is important when making t-shirt quilts. Interfacing can be fusible or not, it can be non-woven or woven. Choose the right interfacing for the project.
Jelly Roll
Again, this is not a thin layer of white cake filled with a delicious jam. For quilters, a jelly roll is a roll of fabrics cut at 2-1/2 inches wide by width of fabric (WOF), generally 40-44 inches. The fabrics are from the same collection or designer. These are very popular for making quilts. See our directions for using a jelly roll of fabric to make a rug.
Layer Cake
You guess it – it’s not a multi-layer cake with frosting between the layers! This is another pre-cut fabric bundle made from coordinating fabrics from a designer or collection. This time the pre-cut pieces are 10-inches x 10-inches.
Layout
The layout of a quilt refers to how the blocks are put together to make a quilt top. Common layouts are a standard horizontal row format or point the quilt blocks on point to make a diagonal layout. Different layouts will make the same quilt blocks look completely different. Using a quilt design wall really helps quilters decide the layout for their quilt.
Loft
Loft is a term used with batting or watting. It is how thick or fluffy the batting is. Choose the right batting for your finished project. Example: A polyester batting is generally less expensive but it will give your finished quilt a puffy look.
Longarm Quilting
A longarm is a large specialty sewing machine specifically for quilting. A quilt is put onto rollers and an entire full-size quilt can be quilted with the machine moving around the quilt top, ‘drawing’ the quilt design. Quilters can send their quilt tops to professional quilters who use these specialty machines to create the stitched design on the finished quilt.
Memory Quilts
Memory quilts can be made in any pattern from any fabric. They are made in memory of someone who has passed. They can be made from their clothes, or with a theme of something that they were passionate about. It is a way to show love for the one who is no longer with us.
Micro Quilting
Micro quilting is more common with quilts that are stitched with a longarm. This is very small stitches close together to make a design element more prominent and stand out, adding texture to the finished quilt.
Mitered Corners
A mitered corner is used when a quilt has binding on the edge that shows on both the front and the back of the quilt. Learn how to make a mitered corner.
Mug Rug
Mug rugs are little bitty quilts just for your mug, otherwise known as a coaster. Check out our pattern for an English Paper Pieced Mug Rug.
Negative Space
Negative space is sometimes referred to as a background. It gives a place for the eye to rest in a quilt design. It is a design element commonly used in modern quilts.
On Point
On point is a quilt block layout where the quilt blocks are set in a diagonal format, with the sides at a 45-degree angle to the sides and bottom of the quilt.
Patchwork
Patchwork is the actually sewing to create the quilt blocks, the quilt design or the final quilt top. Also referred to as piecing.
Piecing
Piecing is sewing the fabric pieces together to create a quilt block, quilt design or the final quilt top. Also referred to as patchwork.
Prairie Points
Prairie points are pieces of fabric folded into triangles. There are two primary ways to make a prairie point that we cover in our directions on how to make prairie points. Check out Betty Ford Smith and her pine cone quilts that use thousands of prairie points!
Prewash
If you have ever been to a textile warehouse, you’ll want to prewash all of your fabrics before using them. Prewash means that you put your fabric through the washer and your drying process before you start cutting it up for a quilt. Fabrics come with finishes to protect them during shipping and warehouse storage. (Yes, to deter bugs from getting in them, too.). Also, if the fabric shrinks, you’ll want it to do that before you put iti n a quilt.
Quarter Inch Foot
This is an essential tool for quilters! Quilts are generally sewn with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This is a special sewing machine foot that is exactly 1/4-inch. Some have guides that you can line up with the edge of your fabric.
Quilt As You Go
Quilt as you go is a method of finishing your quilt as you work on your quilt top. Each piece is added to the top of a batting and backing as you work on the quilt top.
Quilt Block
A quilt block is the unit that is sewn together to create a quilt. A quilt block can be a single piece of fabric, or multiple pieces sewn together to create the block. Check out all of the free quilt block patterns on Create Whimsy.
Quilt Label
A quilt label is probably the most important element in your quilt. Make a label, attach it to the back of your quilt. Who did you make the quilt for? When did you make the quilt? And, most importantly, make sure your name is on the quilt so that people will remember you.
Quilt Sandwich
This isn’t taking a lunch break from quilting and preparing a sandwich! A quilt sandwich is the top of your quilt, the batting and the back of your quilt. When your quilt top is complete, you make a ‘sandwich’ with these three layers before stitching them together.
Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter is probably one of the most important tools for a quilter. This is use to quickly cut fabric on a specialty quilters cutting mat, with a quilters ruler. It features a round blade on a handle. Line the blade up next to the ruler on a cutting mat and it’s easy to cut straight lines quickly.
Rotary Mat
A special mat to use with your rotary cutter to protect your table top when cutting fabric.
Rotary Ruler
Use a rotary ruler with your rotary cutter on your rotary mat. The rules are made from clear acrylic so you can see through them and their nice edge makes it easy to cut straight lines.
Sashing
Sashing refers to strips of fabrics that are used between the rows and columns ofquilt blocks. They are used more often in traditional or bed quilts.
Seam Ripper
Okay. I’m going to say, hands down this is the most important tool for quilting! Don’t buy a cheap one. I spend a lot of time un-sewing – removing stitches that just weren’t right. If you have a dull one, it will make the un-sewing more un-enjoyable.
Selvage
The selvage of the fabric is the woven edges along the lengthwise of the fabric. Generally one of the selvage edges is printed with the fabric manufacturer and/or designer, as well a small color marks for the colors used in the fabric.
Setting the Seam
Pressing seams is really important in quilting. This is what gives your quilt a professionally finished look. Whether you are on team ‘press open’, ‘press to the side’ or ‘it depends’ it helps to set your seam. To do this, lay your fabric on your pressing surface and just give the stitched line a little press. This allows the threads to meld with your fabric. Read our article on how to press your seams in quilting.
Stash
If you don’t know what this means, you don’t have one (yet)! A stash is fabric you’ve bought and haven’t used (yet). You may have bought the fabric for a specific project, or just because you really liked it.
Stitch in the Ditch
Stitch in the ditch is a quilting technique where a quilter follows the seam line and stitches right in the valley formed by sewing two pieces of fabric together. Read our directions on how to stitch in the ditch.
Strip Piecing
Strip piecing makes some quilt project so much easier. Instead of cutting small pieces individually, cut fabric WOF (width of fabric) and sew the long strips together. Then cut the long strips into the length you need. This makes quilt patterns like Rail Fence and Endless Stairs much easier.
Table Topper
A table topper is a small quilt that is used in the middle of a table. It is a perfect way to try a new quilt block or technique by making a small home decorator item. Read our directions on how to make a table topper.
Tied Quilt
Tying a quilt is one of the ways to finish a quilt. After the quilt is sandwiched, using light weight yarn or embroidery thread or floss, small stitches are taken through all three layers of the quilt and a knot is tied on the top side of the quilt. Usually a small amount of the thread or yarn is left to create a bit of texture on the top of the quilt.
Trapunto
Trapunto quilting creates dimension in a quilt top by adding extra layers of batting under certain areas of the quilt. These areas will stand out more than the other places on the quilt, giving it a three-dimensional texture.
T-shirt Quilt
A t-shirt quilt is made from pieces that are cut from old t-shirts. Generally these are made to remember sporting activities or other events. The key to making a successful t-shirt quilt is to use light weight interfacing on the back of the t-shirt pieces to stabilize them.
UFO
No, it is not an unidentified flying object. In quilting this refers to ‘unfinished object’. Generally a UFO has an intention to be finished – someday!
Wadding
Wadding is also referred to as batting. This is the middle layer in a quilt.
Walking Foot
This is a specialty presser for your sewing machine that makes straight line quilting much easier. It works with your feed dogs to move both the top and the bottom of your quilt at the same time creating even feed through the machine.
Whole Cloth Quilt
A whole cloth quilt is made from one piece of fabric. The quilting is ‘main attraction’ to the quilt. Check out some of the whole cloth quilts made by Cindy Needham.
WOF – Width of Fabric
So, you see WOF in a pattern and your mind wanders to figure out what they mean! Width of the fabric! Cut a strip of fabric the width of your fabric. This would be 40 – 45″ long, which is the common width of fabric.
Wonky
Wonky is a term used for quilt blocks where the fabrics are intentionaly not cut evenly, creating a wonky look to the quilt. This type of quilt block is used often in improvisational quilting or piecing. Read our directions for making a wonky log cabin quilt.
Y-Seams
Y-seams are not for beginners! This is where you have three (or more) seams coming together. You need to sew two together and leave a 1/4-inch unfinished. Then start sewing the other two seams together. With practice, you can get good at y-seams. Recommendation: Master straight seams first.
Is there a quilt term you don’t quite understand? or some we missed? Email us at [email protected] with your question.