quilt

Noun

quilt (plural quilts)

1. A bed covering consisting of two layers of fabric stitched together, with insulation between, often having a decorative design.

Derived terms

• crazy quilt
• patchwork quilt

Verb

to quilt (third-person singular simple present quilts, present participle quilting, simple past and past participle quilted)

1. To construct a quilt.
2. To construct something, such as clothing, using the same technique.

Derived terms

• quilting bee
• quilting needle

A quilt is a type of bedding composed several layers generally combined using the technique of quilting. Many are made with decorative designs, and some of these are not used as bed covering at all, but are rather made to be hung on a wall or otherwise displayed.

In addition to quilting the quilt layers can be combined by tying. Tying refers to the technique of using thread, yarn or ribbon to pass through all three layers of the quilt at regular intervals. These "ties" hold the layers together during use and especially when the quilt is washed. This method is easier and more forgiving if the quilt is made by hand. Tied quilts are called, depending on the regional area, "lap", "comfort" or "comforter", among other names.

In British English, duvet may be used instead of quilt, wadding is another way of saying batting, and calico refers to muslin, rather than to a fabric with a printed pattern on it.

Uses of quilts

• Bedding
• Decoration
• Armoury (see Gambeson)
• Commemoration (e.g., the "Twentieth Century Women of Faith" quilt on the Patchwork page)
• Education (e.g., a "Science" quilt)
• Campaigning
• Documenting events / social history etc.
• Artistic expression
• Traditional gift

Types and traditions