The Girlfriend Quilter's Glossary: Sewing Terms Every Quilter Should Know
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 Tonga Nickles.
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. They’re also called Tonga Dimes or 10" Stackers.
LQS
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.
Remember, at My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, we’re all about supporting each other and having fun. Because that’s what girlfriends do! Happy quilting!