Hello Fellow Quilter!
I've wanted to create this quilting glossary for a long time, so I decided it would be best to start somewhere and add as I think of terms or get questions about quilting. So bare with me as I build it out!
If you are an experienced quilter, and you can think of something that should be on here, drop a comment below!
If you are a new quilter and there's a quilting term that's been baffling you, leave a question in the comments.
This will help us to grow this glossary quicker!
Abigail
Quilting Glossary
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Basting = In quilting, basting refers to securing the layers of a quilt in preparation for quilting. Most often, safety pins are used, though spray basting is also an option. Spray basting utilizes a spray adhesive to tack the layers together.
Batik = A batik is a method of printing that involves using wax and tjaps to hand-print a pattern onto a tightly woven cotton fabric. Batiks are made in Bali, Indonesia. Click here for a video by Banyan Batiks that demonstrates the process.
Batting = Batting is the fluffy stuff you put between your quilt top and backing fabric. Batting can be made of cotton, polyester, wool, bamboo, or a blend of 2 fibres like cotton and polyester. It also comes in a variety of different lofts (fluffiness).
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EPP = Abbreviation. English Paper Piecing
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Fat Quarter = A fat quarter is made by cutting a half yard in half the fat way! A fat quarter typically measures 18" x 22". See What Is A Fat Quarter? for more details.
Flimsy (Flimsies) = A quilt top that is complete but not yet quilted.
FPP = Abbreviation for Foundation Paper Piecing. You can find a tutorial on FPP by Meaford Pattern Press here.
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HST = Abbreviation. HST stands for Half Square Triangle. This refers to a square made of 2 triangles that are each literally half of the square. For a tutorial on how to make HSTs, click here.
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Longarmer = Refers to a quilter who has a longarm machine. Typically, when someone uses the term longarmer, they are referring to a person who quilts your finished quilt for a living.
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Precut (pre-cut) = This term refers to 2.5 inch strips, 5 inch squares, and 10 inch squares that come 'pre-cut' and can be used to make a quilt without cutting them smaller. See the article What Is A Jelly Roll? for more details.
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QAL = Abbreviation, stands for Quilt Along.
QAYG = Abbreviation, stands for Quilt As You Go
Quilt Along = A Quilt Along, or QAL for short, is an organized event where participating quilters each piece a quilt top at the same time. Sometimes, this looks like virtually sharing progress on a quilt via social media with other participants of the Quilt Along. Other times, Quilt Alongs can be in-person events. Typically, all participants in a Quilt Along use the same quilt pattern. Though some Quilt Alongs can be about finishing existing projects.
Quilt As You Go = This refers to the technique of sewing your fabric pieces directly onto your batting and backing. Each seam also 'quilts' the batting so additional quilting is not required once you've pieced your quilt.
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RS = Abbreviation, meaning right side. Referring to fabric.
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SAL = Abbreviation, stands for Sew Along. Also see QAL and Quilt Along.
Selvedge (US Spelling: selvage) = The tight edges of woven fabric.
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Wadding = UK term for batting.
Wide Backing = Wide backing refers to quilting cotton that is between 106/110 inches from selvedge to selvedge. It is used for backing quilts, as it does not require a seam.
Width of Fabric = The width of the fabric is the distance from selvedge to selvedge.
WOF = Abbreviation, see Width of Fabric
WS = Abbreviation, meaning wrong side. Referring to fabric.
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Yarn-Dyed = This refers to fabric such as true plaid, where the design/colour is determined by the yarn during the looming process.
