What Are Common Quilting Terms for Beginners?

The most common quilting terms beginners need to know include fat quarter, jelly roll, quilt sandwich, binding, appliqué, HST, sashing, and WOF. A fat quarter is an 18" x 22" cut of fabric. A jelly roll is a collection of 2½" strips. A quilt sandwich refers to the three layers of a quilt — the top, batting, and backing. Understanding these terms makes it much easier to follow patterns and connect with other quilters!

Welcome to the world of quilting, where fabric and creativity come together to create beautiful, lasting memories! If you're new to quilting, or even if you're a seasoned pro, understanding quilting terms is key to mastering the craft. That’s why we’ve compiled The Girlfriend Quilter’s Glossary – a fun, easy-to-understand guide to help you along your quilting journey.

Appliqué

Shapes cut out of fabric and adhered to a background using fusible adhesive or hand sewing. It’s a great way to add unique details to your quilt.

Backing

The back of the quilt. While the front gets all the attention, the backing ties it all together!

Bias

A 45-degree diagonal direction of fabric, which contains more stretch. Perfect for curved appliqué or binding.

Binding

The final piece of fabric that finishes the outside raw edges of the quilt. (Need help? Check out our YouTube tutorial on how easy binding can be!)

BOM

Block of the Month. Join a quilt-along or create your own monthly masterpiece.

Chain Sewing

Sewing fabric pieces one after the other without stopping to cut threads between them. A time-saver that every quilter loves!

Charm Pack

A package of 5" squares of fabric, typically trademarked by Moda. Also known as Lil' Bits, 5" Stackers, and Bali Snaps.

English Paper Piecing

Hand-piecing blocks using paper templates – perfect for quilters who enjoy working at their own pace.

Fat Eighth

A cut of fabric that measures 9" x 22", half the size of a fat quarter.

Fat Quarter

A cut of fabric measuring 18" x 22". We affectionately call it "quilter's candy with no calories!"

Feed Dogs

The "teeth" under the presser foot that help pull fabric through the machine.

Finger Pressing

A method using your fingers to press open a seam without the need for an iron.

Foundation Paper Piecing

Sewing fabric pieces following directional lines in numerical order on paper or muslin.

Free-Motion Quilting

Creating designs in the quilt by lowering the feed dogs of your machine, allowing free movement of the fabric under the needle.

Grain

The direction in which the threads of fabric run (warp is lengthwise, weft is crosswise).

Jelly Roll

A collection of 2 1/2" x WOF (Width of Fabric) strips, often from Moda. Also called Bali Pops, fabrications, and noodles.

Layer Cake

A collection of 10" squares of fabric, another Moda staple. Also called 10" Stackers or 10" Squares.

LQS

Stands for your "Local Quilt Shop" – like our very own My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe! We’re here for all your quilting needs.

Quilt Guild

A group of quilters who meet regularly to learn and share ideas. If you're not in one yet, it's time to join the fun!

Quilt Sandwich

The three essential parts of a quilt: the top, the batting, and the backing.

Rotary Cutter

A cutting tool with a round blade for precision fabric cutting.

Sashing

Fabric strips sewn between quilt blocks to frame and separate them.

Selvage

The edge of the fabric length, often with manufacturer and designer information.

Stitch in the Ditch

Quilting on top of the quilt between seams. It’s subtle but effective.

UFO

An unfinished object (we all have at least one!).

WIP

Work in Progress – quilting is all about the journey!

WOF

Width of Fabric, from selvage to selvage.

WOW

White on white fabric, a staple for backgrounds and low-contrast designs.

HST

Half-Square Triangle, a classic building block in quilt designs.

Quilting Tips from Kris, Owner of My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe:

Jump right in!
There is never a dumb question!
Give yourself the freedom to not be perfect.
Enjoy the process!
Kris’ mantra: A ripped-out seam is a well-loved seam. It’s OK! It just means you care enough to make it work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fat quarter in quilting?
A fat quarter is an 18" x 22" cut of fabric. It's one of the most common cuts sold at quilt shops and is used in a wide variety of patterns.

What is a jelly roll in quilting?
A jelly roll is a pre-cut collection of 2½" x WOF (Width of Fabric) fabric strips, typically rolled and tied. They're often sold by Moda and also go by names like Bali Pops and noodles.

What is a quilt sandwich?
A quilt sandwich refers to the three layers of a quilt: the quilt top, the batting in the middle, and the backing on the bottom. All three layers are basted together before quilting.

What does WOF mean in quilting?
WOF stands for Width of Fabric — the measurement from selvage to selvage, typically around 40"–44" for quilting cotton.

What is the difference between a fat quarter and a fat eighth?
A fat quarter measures 18" x 22". A fat eighth is half that size, measuring 9" x 22".

What is free-motion quilting?
Free-motion quilting is a technique where the feed dogs are lowered so the quilter can move the fabric freely under the needle, creating custom designs across the quilt surface.

What is appliqué in quilting?
Appliqué is the process of cutting shapes from fabric and attaching them to a background fabric, either with fusible adhesive or hand stitching. It's commonly used to add decorative details to quilt blocks.

The Girlfriend Quilter's Glossary: Sewing Terms Every Quilter Should Know