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SALTY VIXEN’S QUILTING GLOSSARY

Quilting Glossary

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Core Quilting Terms (A–Z)

Appliqué (Applique) ⌄
Sewing fabric shapes onto a background fabric by hand or machine.
Technique
Backstitch ⌄
A few stitches sewn in reverse to secure a seam at the beginning or end.
Stitching
Backing ⌄
The fabric used for the back of the quilt, behind the batting.
Layer
Basting ⌄
Temporarily securing quilt layers with pins, spray, or long stitches before quilting.
Prep
Batting (Wadding) ⌄
The middle layer that provides warmth and thickness (cotton, poly, wool, blends).
Layer
Bias ⌄
The diagonal direction of fabric (45° to the grain) that stretches more than straight grain.
Fabric
Binding ⌄
Fabric strips that finish the quilt’s outer edge, covering raw edges and adding durability.
Finish
Blanket Stitch ⌄
A decorative stitch often used to finish appliqué edges by hand or machine.
Stitching
Block ⌄
A single design unit of a quilt top, often repeated to form the overall pattern.
Structure
Border ⌄
A fabric strip around the quilt top’s edges that frames the design and can add size.
Design
Chain Piecing ⌄
Sewing multiple units one after another without cutting thread between them to save time.
Speed
Charm Pack ⌄
A pre-cut bundle of 5" squares, usually multiple prints from one fabric line.
Precut
Colorway ⌄
A specific set or version of colors used in a fabric collection or quilt design.
Design
Cornerstone ⌄
A square placed at the corners where borders meet, often decorative or for pieced borders.
Design
Crosshatch ⌄
Quilting lines stitched in one direction and then the other, creating a grid pattern.
Quilting
Cutting Mat ⌄
A self-healing mat used with a rotary cutter to protect surfaces and improve accuracy.
Tool
Stitch in the Ditch ⌄
Quilting directly in the seam “ditch” so stitches are less visible from the top.
Quilting
Directional Print ⌄
Fabric with a clear “up/down” orientation; requires careful cutting so motifs face correctly.
Fabric
Easing ⌄
Gently distributing a small amount of extra fabric so two pieces sew together smoothly without tucks.
Technique
English Paper Piecing (EPP) ⌄
Hand-piecing fabric around paper templates (often hexagons) for precise shapes and seams.
Handwork
Fabric Grain ⌄
The direction of threads in woven fabric: lengthwise grain, crosswise grain, and bias.
Fabric
Fat Eighth ⌄
A half of a fat quarter (about 9" x 22"), great for smaller cuts and variety.
Fabric Cut
Fat Quarter ⌄
A quarter-yard cut that’s wider than a strip (about 18" x 22").
Fabric Cut
Feed Dogs ⌄
The teeth under the presser foot that move fabric through the sewing machine.
Machine
Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) ⌄
Piecing fabric onto a printed paper foundation for sharp angles and precise blocks.
Technique
Free-Motion Quilting (FMQ) ⌄
Quilting with the feed dogs lowered so you can move the quilt freely to draw stitched designs.
Quilting
Frog (Frogging) ⌄
Undoing stitches (“rip it, rip it”) to correct mistakes—painful, but sometimes necessary.
Fix
Fusible Web ⌄
Heat-activated adhesive used to bond fabric shapes (commonly for appliqué).
Tool
Fussy Cut ⌄
Cutting fabric to center a specific motif or image within a block or shape.
Technique
Gusset ⌄
An inserted fabric piece that adds depth/shape (more common in bags/quilted accessories than quilts).
Construction
Hand Quilting ⌄
Stitching quilt layers together by hand, often with a rocking motion and a thimble.
Handwork
Half-Square Triangle (HST) ⌄
A square made from two triangles; a building block for countless quilt patterns.
Unit
Hanging Sleeve ⌄
A fabric tube sewn on the back of a quilt to slide a rod through for display.
Finish
Jelly Roll ⌄
A pre-cut bundle of 2.5" wide fabric strips, usually from one coordinated collection.
Precut
Joining Seams ⌄
Seams used to connect units or blocks together into rows and a full quilt top.
Construction
Quilt Label ⌄
A label added to the back with maker name, date, location, and sometimes a message or care notes.
Finish
Layer Cake ⌄
A pre-cut bundle of 10" squares, often from a single fabric line or collection.
Precut
Lengthwise Grain ⌄
Threads running along the fabric’s length (parallel to the selvage); least stretch.
Fabric
Loft ⌄
The thickness or “puffiness” of batting; higher loft looks more dimensional.
Batting
Longarm ⌄
A quilting machine on a frame used to quilt large projects more easily than a domestic machine.
Machine
Mitered Corner ⌄
A 45° corner join on borders or binding for a crisp, tailored look.
Finish
Mockup ⌄
A test layout (often on a design wall or floor) to preview block placement and color balance.
Design
Needle-Turn Appliqué ⌄
Hand appliqué method where seam allowances are turned under with the needle as you stitch.
Handwork
Nesting Seams ⌄
Pressing seams in opposite directions so they “lock” together and align points accurately.
Accuracy
Notches ⌄
Small marks used to align pieces; more common in garment sewing, but can help in complex piecing.
Alignment
On Point ⌄
Blocks set on a diagonal so their corners point up/down/sideways rather than sitting square.
Layout
Patchwork ⌄
Piecing small fabric shapes together to create a larger design or quilt top.
Technique
Pattern Repeat ⌄
How often a fabric print repeats; useful for fussy cutting and matching motifs.
Fabric
Piecing ⌄
Sewing fabric pieces together to create blocks and the quilt top.
Basics
Pin Basting ⌄
Using safety pins to hold the quilt sandwich together for quilting.
Prep
Pressing ⌄
Lifting and setting the iron to flatten seams (not sliding like ironing, which can distort fabric).
Technique
Press Open ⌄
Pressing seam allowances apart to reduce bulk; can help with some intersections.
Pressing
Press to the Dark Side ⌄
A common rule: press seam allowances toward the darker fabric to prevent shadowing on light fabric.
Pressing
Quilt Sandwich ⌄
The three quilt layers: quilt top, batting, and backing.
Layers
Quilting ⌄
Stitching through all layers to hold the quilt sandwich together and add texture/design.
Core
Walking Foot ⌄
A sewing machine foot that feeds top and bottom layers evenly; great for straight-line quilting.
Tool
Quilt Top ⌄
The finished patchwork/appliqué top layer before it’s quilted to batting and backing.
Layer
Raw-Edge Appliqué ⌄
Appliqué method where edges are not turned under; often finished with satin stitch or zigzag.
Technique
Rotary Cutter ⌄
A rolling blade tool used with a ruler and mat to cut accurate fabric shapes quickly.
Tool
Right Sides Together (RST) ⌄
Placing the “pretty” sides of fabric facing each other before sewing a seam.
Abbrev
Sashing ⌄
Fabric strips placed between blocks to separate them and create visual breathing room.
Design
Scant 1/4" Seam ⌄
A seam slightly less than 1/4" to account for fabric fold thickness and improve accuracy.
Accuracy
Seam Allowance ⌄
The distance between stitching and fabric edge; quilting commonly uses 1/4".
Basics
Seam Ripper ⌄
A small tool used to cut and remove stitches when you need to undo a seam.
Tool
Selvage (Selvedge) ⌄
The tightly woven finished edge of fabric; often removed before piecing.
Fabric
Set-In Seam ⌄
A seam that joins pieces at an angle or curve, requiring careful alignment (common in advanced blocks).
Technique
Snowball Block ⌄
A block made by sewing triangles or squares onto a square’s corners, creating the look of a circle/“snowball.”
Block
Spray Basting ⌄
Using temporary adhesive spray to hold quilt layers together for quilting.
Prep
Stash Busting ⌄
Using fabric you already own (“the stash”) to complete a quilt—thrifty and satisfying.
Lifestyle
Stippling ⌄
A dense meandering quilting design that adds texture without crossing lines.
Quilting
Stitch Length ⌄
How long each stitch is; shorter stitches are stronger for piecing, longer for basting.
Machine
Strip Piecing ⌄
Sewing fabric strips together first, then cutting units from the strip set for speed and consistency.
Speed
Template ⌄
A shape pattern (paper/plastic) used to trace/cut consistent fabric pieces.
Tool
Thread Weight ⌄
Thread thickness; lower numbers are thicker thread. Affects quilting texture and visibility.
Supplies
Tension ⌄
How tightly the sewing machine pulls top and bobbin thread; balanced tension prevents loops and puckers.
Machine
Topstitch ⌄
Stitching on the right side of fabric for structure or decoration (common in binding and bags).
Stitching
Square Up (True Up) ⌄
Trimming a block or unit to an exact size with a ruler for accuracy before final assembly.
Accuracy
UFO (Unfinished Object) ⌄
A project you started and paused—unfinished quilts are lovingly called UFOs.
Lifestyle
Understitching ⌄
A technique to keep seam allowances on the inside; more garment-y, but useful for quilted items.
Technique
Wadding ⌄
Another word for batting; the quilt’s soft middle layer.
Layer
Wall Quilt ⌄
A quilt intended for display rather than bedding, often smaller and more decorative.
Project
Width of Fabric (WOF) ⌄
The usable width from selvage to selvage (often about 40–44 inches).
Abbrev
Y-Seam ⌄
A seam junction shaped like a “Y” where three pieces meet; common in some advanced blocks.
Technique
Zigzag Stitch ⌄
A side-to-side stitch used to finish raw edges, secure appliqué, or add decorative detail.
Stitching
Audition (Blocks/Fabrics) ⌄
Testing fabric placement or block order before sewing to balance color and contrast.
Design
Block of the Month (BOM) ⌄
A program where you make one block per month, then assemble them into a quilt.
Community
Tailor’s Clapper ⌄
A wooden tool used after pressing to set seams flatter and crisper, reducing bulk.
Tool
Contrast ⌄
The difference between light/dark or bold/soft colors that helps shapes stand out in a quilt.
Design
Crosswise Grain ⌄
Threads running across the width of fabric; slightly more stretch than lengthwise grain.
Fabric
Design Wall ⌄
A surface (flannel, batting, foam board) used to arrange blocks and preview layout.
Tool
Diagonal Setting ⌄
Another term for “on point” layout where blocks are rotated 45°.
Layout
Echo Quilting ⌄
Quilting lines that repeat around a shape at even spacing, like ripples around an island.
Quilting
Edge-to-Edge Quilting ⌄
A continuous quilting pattern repeated across the whole quilt (common with longarm quilting).
Quilting
Flange Binding ⌄
Binding with a narrow contrasting “flange” (accent strip) that frames the quilt edge.
Finish
Flying Geese ⌄
A unit made of one large triangle flanked by two smaller triangles; looks like a little goose.
Unit
Friction Pen ⌄
A marking pen that “erases” with heat; test first because marks can return in cold temps.
Tool
Grainline ⌄
A reference direction for cutting so pieces stay stable and don’t warp as you sew.
Fabric
Hand Basting ⌄
Using long temporary stitches by hand to hold layers together for quilting.
Prep
Heat-n-Bond ⌄
A popular brand of fusible web used for appliqué and fabric bonding.
Supplies
In-the-Hoop (ITH) ⌄
Machine embroidery method where an item is constructed in an embroidery hoop (often quilted projects).
Machine
Inset Border ⌄
A border built from multiple sections or pieced elements rather than simple long strips.
Design
Interfacing ⌄
A stabilizer (fusible or sew-in) used to add structure, especially in quilted bags and pouches.
Supplies
Kona Cotton ⌄
A widely used solid quilting cotton brand known for a large color range.
Fabric
Leaders & Enders ⌄
Small scrap units sewn at the start/end of seams to reduce thread waste and build bonus projects.
Speed
Matchstick Quilting ⌄
Very close parallel lines (like matchsticks) that create a clean modern texture.
Quilting
Needle Size ⌄
Needle thickness/type (universal, quilting, microtex) chosen based on fabric and thread for best stitches.
Supplies
Needle Threader ⌄
A tool (or built-in feature) that helps pull thread through the needle eye—tiny miracle worker.
Tool
Quilting Ruler ⌄
A clear acrylic ruler with grid lines used with a rotary cutter for accurate cutting and trimming.
Tool
Pieced Backing ⌄
A quilt back made from multiple fabric pieces sewn together (useful for scraps or extra-wide quilts).
Backing
Prairie Points ⌄
Folded fabric triangles inserted into seams as a decorative edge or accent.
Finish
Quilt As You Go (QAYG) ⌄
Quilting smaller sections first, then joining them—great for managing large quilts on a domestic machine.
Technique
Quilting Stencil ⌄
A reusable template used to mark quilting designs onto fabric before stitching.
Tool
Reverse Appliqué ⌄
Cutting away top fabric to reveal fabric underneath, then stitching edges to finish the design.
Technique
Round Robin Quilt ⌄
A collaborative quilt where each person adds a border/section before passing it to the next maker.
Community
Sampler Quilt ⌄
A quilt made from many different block designs, often for learning and variety.
Project
Scrim ⌄
A thin stabilizing layer in some battings that helps reduce stretching and can affect drape.
Batting
Seam Nesting ⌄
Another term for nesting seams—pressing opposite directions so seams interlock and points match.
Accuracy
Shadowing ⌄
When a darker seam allowance shows through lighter fabric; pressing toward dark fabric can help prevent it.
Pressing
Strip Set ⌄
Multiple fabric strips sewn together into a panel, then cut into units for blocks.
Speed
Template Plastic ⌄
A sturdy plastic sheet used to make durable templates for repeated cutting/shapes.
Tool
Thimble ⌄
A protective cap for your finger (especially in hand quilting) that helps push needles safely.
Tool
Walking Foot Quilting ⌄
Quilting using a walking foot for smooth, even feed—ideal for straight or gently curved lines.
Quilting
Wavy Border ⌄
A border that ripples due to uneven measurements or stretching; measuring and easing can prevent it.
Troubleshoot
Wonky ⌄
Intentionally imperfect or playful angles/shapes—often a modern, improvisational style choice.
Style
Wrist Pincushion ⌄
A pincushion worn on the wrist to keep pins handy while piecing or basting.
Tool
Yardage ⌄
The amount of fabric required (measured in yards), often listed in patterns for each fabric.
Supplies
Zero-Waste Quilting ⌄
A cutting/piecing approach designed to minimize scraps and maximize fabric use.
Style
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