How to Know Quilting Terminology

Whether you are exploring the idea of quilting, learning about your grandmother's quilts, or live with a quilter, the following explanations of common quilting terminology can clear up any confusion you may have. For those interested in the actual art of quilting, these terms are near-essential knowledge.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the cloth used to create your quilt. Most frequently called "fabric" by those familiar with quilting, it is traditionally 100 percent cotton and found on a "bolt" in 44- to 45-inch width.

2. Observe the edges of the fabric. You may notice small dots along the edge or printed words describing the fabric or identifying the designer. This area is called the "selvedge" and runs along both edges of the entire bolt.

3. Understand the hand tools used for quilting and piecing. Most projects require the use of a "rotary cutter," a "cutting mat," and a "quilting ruler" to cut the fabric into the appropriate pieces. The rotary cutter is a handle with a rotating circular blade. When placed on the fabric and pushed along the edge of the stiff plastic quilting ruler, it cuts a clean straight line in the fabric. Flexible cutting mats protect tables or counters from the blade.

4. Fold one yard of standard quilting fabric in half, aligning selvedge to selvedge, and cut along the fold. Fold again in the opposite direction, and cut along the new fold. This creates four "fat quarters." The fat quarter is 18 x 22 inches and is a common piece of fabric in stores.