Quilting Basics
Result of three-layer construction consists of a top, batting, and backing.
What is a quilt?
The traditional block made of nine equal squares arranged in a 3×3 grid.
What is a nine-patch?
This natural fiber, harvested from a plant, is the most common fabric used in quilting.
What is cotton?
What is the standard seam allowance for quilts?
This narrow strip of fabric folded over the raw edges of a quilt and sewn to finish the perimeter.
What is binding?
A cutting tool with a circular blade quilters use for quick, accurate cuts.
What is a rotary cutter?
This block historically had a red center to signify the hearth or fireplace of a home.
What is a Log Cabin block?
Measures 18" x 22".
What is a fat quarter?
The sewing machine attachment that helps feed multiple fabric layers evenly during quilting.
What is a walking foot (even-feed foot)?
The sewing step that joins the quilt top to the batting and backing, often done just inside the binding edge.
What is quilting (or quilting the layers together)?
Term for when pieces are stitched together, one after another after another.
What is chain piecing?
Has a pocket sewn onto it, allowing the quilt to be folded into it, creating a pillow.
What is a quillow?
The direction of fabric threads running parallel to the selvage, the most stable grain for cutting.
What is the straight grain (or lengthwise grain)?
Term for holding a quilt's top, batting, and backing together; methods include safety pins, spray adhesive, or thread and needle.
What is basting?
The quilt layer sandwiched between the top and backing that adds warmth and loft.
What is batting?
The inventor of the sewing machine.
Who is Elias Howe?
Using paper templates sewn through to achieve precise, complex angled seams—especially useful for intricate stars and tiny pieces.
What is foundation paper piecing?
Fabric that has been laundered before cutting to prevent shrinkage or skip this to preserve crispness.
What is prewashed fabric?
When 2.5" strips are sewn end to end and then the long strip is sewn to itself...often done as a competition.
What is a Jelly Roll Race?
Method for removing large wrinkles or setting stitches in a finished quilt: on a low-to-medium setting.
What is pressing with an iron?
A technique where long strips are sewn together and then cut into units to speed assembly.
What is strip piecing?
A quilt made of many different block patterns intended to showcase multiple designs and techniques.
What is a sampler quilt?
The term for the 45-degree direction of fabric threads that stretches more and must be handled carefully.
What is the bias?
Universal, sharps, betweens, ballpoint, denim, leather, self-threading.
What are types of needles?
This laundry aid is tossed in the washing machine to absorb bleeding colors, especially reds.
What is a Color Catcher?