Quilt Glossary

Simply Quilts

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a b c d e f h l m n p q r s t w y

A
applique
Fabric cutouts (any shape) stitched onto a piece of background fabric either by hand or by machine. Useful products for applique include basting spray and fusible webbing.

applique stitch (also needleturn stitch)
Stitches sewn by turning the raw edges of applique cutouts under to sew the pieces to a background fabric. Read more about applique stitching in the article Applique Basics.

B
backing
The underside fabric layer of a quilt.
Learn more about backing in the article Finishing A Quilt.

background fabric
Foundation material for appliqued quilt components. Applique cutouts are positioned on background fabric then stitched in place.

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pin basting
basting
Joining the three quilt layers (quilt top, batting and backing) together using quilting safety pins or long hand stitches prior to quilting. Read more about basting in the article Finishing A Quilt.
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batting
batting
Fluffy middle layer of a quilt typically made of cotton, polyester or wool. Batting is sandwiched between the top and backing layers of the quilt. Read more about batting in the following articles Using Batting For Quilts and Batting.

bearding
When fibers from the batting layer migrate through the top or the backing of a quilt.

bias
The diagonal cross-grain of woven fabric. Fabric cut along the bias requires careful handling as it stretches easily. Read more about bias in the article Quick Quilts.

binding
Strips of fabrics used to cover raw quilt edges along the perimeter of a quilt. Binding is added after borders are attached, and batting and backing is basting into place, and the quilting is complete. Read more about bias in the article Border and Bindings.

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blanket stitch
blanket stitch
Decorative stitch used to finish edges of applique cutouts. Learn the technique with this video featuring Simply Quilts guest Margaret Peters and host Alex Anderson.

blocks
Basic units of a quilt top and are generally square or rectangular design components, but can be other shapes. Blocks are stitched together to form a quilt top. Read more about blocks in the article Block Combinations.

borders
Fabric strips stitched along the outer edges of a quilt top to frame the design. Read more about borders in the article Finishing a Quilt.

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bunny ears
bunny ears
Formed in two corners when stitching a triangle and a square unit together. Bunny ears are, in most instances, trimmed away.