Patchwork Penny

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned quilter, understanding the terminology used in quilting is essential. This glossary serves as a quick reference to help you navigate patterns, instructions, and techniques with confidence.Glossary of Quilting Terms

A

• Appliqué – A technique where fabric pieces are sewn onto a larger background fabric to create designs.
• Aurifil – A popular brand of high-quality thread used for quilting, known for durability and color selection.

B

• Basting – Temporarily securing quilt layers together using stitches, pins, or spray adhesive before quilting.
• Bias – The diagonal direction of fabric, which has more stretch than the straight grain.
• Block Layout – The arrangement of quilt blocks within a quilt top, determining the overall pattern and aesthetic

C

• Charm Pack – A bundle of pre-cut 5-inch fabric squares, commonly used for quick quilt assembly.
• Chain Piecing – A sewing method where pieces are stitched together continuously without breaking the thread, improving efficiency.
• Cornerstone – A square placed at the junction of horizontal and vertical sashing strips in quilt assembly. Cornerstones serve as visual anchors, adding symmetry and structure to the overall quilt design.

D

• Design Wall – A vertical space where quilt blocks are arranged before final assembly for better visualization.
• Ditch Quilting – Stitching along the seams of quilt blocks to add subtle texture while maintaining the design.

E

• English Paper Piecing (EPP) – A hand-sewing method using paper templates to create precise geometric designs.
• Edge Stitching – Sewing close to the edge of a fabric piece for decorative or functional reinforcement.

F

• Fat Quarter – A quarter-yard of fabric cut into a wider shape, offering more versatility for quilting patterns.
• Foundation Piecing – A quilting technique where small fabric pieces are sewn onto a paper or fabric foundation to create patchwork. This method ensures precision in intricate designs, whether using carefully cut shapes or randomly arranged scraps.
• Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) – A method of stitching fabric onto a paper template to create precise quilt blocks.

G

• Grainline – The direction of fabric threads; includes straight grain, cross grain, and bias grain.
• Grid Quilting – A quilting design composed of evenly spaced lines for structured geometric patterns.

H

• Half-Square Triangle (HST) – A basic quilting block made by sewing two triangles together to form a square.
• Hand Quilting – Stitching quilt layers together by hand rather than by machine for a traditional effect.

I

• Interfacing – A fabric stabilizer used to add structure or durability to quilt pieces.
• Invisible Thread – A translucent thread often used for quilting when a discreet stitch is desired.

J

• Jelly Roll – A collection of pre-cut fabric strips, typically 2 ½ inches wide, used for fast quilting projects.
• Join Seam – A technique for connecting quilt blocks while keeping seams aligned neatly.

K

• Knotless Quilting – A method of securing thread without visible knots for a smoother finish.
• Kaleidoscope Block – A quilt block that creates a radiating, symmetrical design.

L

• Layer Cake – A set of pre-cut 10-inch fabric squares used for creating quilt tops.
• Log Cabin Block – A classic quilt block featuring strips arranged around a central square.

M

• Mitered Corner – A finishing technique where fabric edges are sewn at an angle for neat, professional-looking corners.
• Modern Quilting – A contemporary style that emphasizes bold colors, asymmetry, and minimalist designs.

N

• Nine-Patch Block – A simple quilt block consisting of nine smaller squares arranged in a grid.
• Needle Turn Appliqué – A hand-sewing technique where fabric edges are turned and stitched for smooth shapes.

O

• On-Point Layout – A quilt block arrangement where squares are rotated to sit on their corners for a diamond effect.
• Ombre Fabric – Fabric with a gradual color fade, often used for dramatic quilt designs.

P

• Piecing – The process of sewing fabric pieces together to form a quilt top.
• Pressing – Using an iron to flatten seams, improving accuracy and block alignment.

Q

• Quarter-Inch Seam – The standard seam allowance used in quilting to ensure accurate piecing.
• Quilt Sandwich – The three layers of a quilt: the top, batting, and backing, held together before quilting.

R

• Rotary Cutter – A rolling blade tool used for cutting fabric precisely and quickly.
• Raw Edge – The unstitched edge of fabric before being finished in a quilt.

S

• Selvage – The finished edge of fabric that prevents fraying, sometimes used in quilt designs for added texture.
• Sashing – Strips of fabric used to separate quilt blocks, adding structure and visual interest.

T

• Trapunto – A quilting technique where extra padding is added beneath certain areas for raised texture.
• Thread Weight – The thickness of quilting thread, which impacts stitch visibility and fabric durability.

U

• Understitching – A technique used to reinforce seams for durability and structure.
• Utility Quilting – Simple, functional quilting designs often used for everyday-use quilts.

V

• Variable Star Block – A quilt block with shifting star-shaped points, often used in traditional patterns.
• Vintage Quilting – Refers to quilts made using older patterns or reproduction fabrics to mimic historic designs.

W

• Walking Foot – A specialty presser foot that evenly feeds fabric layers while quilting, preventing shifting.
• WOF (Width of Fabric) – The total width of a fabric bolt, typically between 42–45 inches for quilting cotton.

X

• X-Block Quilt – A quilt design featuring “X” shapes formed by intersecting fabric pieces.
• X-Stitch Quilting – A decorative quilting method using overlapping stitches.

Y

• Y-Seam – A challenging piecing technique where three fabric edges meet at a single intersection.
• Yo-Yo Quilt – A quilt made with gathered fabric circles sewn together for a textured, dimensional effect.

Z

Zero-Waste Quilting – A sustainable quilting approach that maximizes fabric use with minimal scraps.

Zigzag Stitch – A decorative and functional stitch used to secure edges or add visual interest.

Foundation Piecing – A quilting technique where small fabric pieces are sewn onto a paper or fabric foundation to create patchwork. This method ensures precision in intricate designs, whether using carefully cut shapes or randomly arranged scraps.