What is a quilt?

Quilting is used for much more than warm and decorative bed quilts. Items of clothing, wall hangings, cushions, tablerunners, and toys are but a few examples of other uses.

Although the uses of quilting have changed over the years, the basic principle is still the same. By definition, a "quilt" consists of a top and back layer, with a piece of batting or filling in between both these layers. You may have heard these three layers referred to as a "sandwich." Decorative quilting designs or knotted thread ties keep the layers in place. Quilting stitches consist of multiple lines or motifs spaced uniformly and stitched by hand or machine.

Whether a bed quilt or a jacket, a quilted item will always have this basic construction.

Anatomy of a Quilt