I have been working on an alphabetical list of quilting terms and their definitions to post on the website. I am almost complete with that list. I say almost because I am now at a point where I can’t think of anymore things to add. I was hoping to find something for every letter of the alphabet, but that might be impossible with some letters. 
Would you help me complete my list of quilting terms and definitions? “If you see anything I missed or that you think should be added to the list, please post it in the comments section so that I can update my list”.
*******************************************************************************
Quilting Terms & Definitions
A
Applique – A method used for sewing one fabric shape onto another. Applique can be done by hand or machine. There are many methods for accomplishing this process. Some of the techniques turn under the raw edges while others do not.
B
Batting – This is the filler used between the quilt top and backing to give the quilt warmth. It comes in many different fibers from natural to man-made. It also comes in many variations of thickness from very thin to very fluffy. In some parts of the world this is referred to as “wadding”.
Bias edges – This is the part of the fabric that is the least stable. It has a lot of stretch which can be a benefit or a problem depending on where you use it. Example of a benefit: used for areas that requires curves like stems for applique. Example of a problem: Fabric pieces that were cut on the bias and used on the outer edge of your quilt block/top. This will cause the edges to distort. If this happens your blocks won’t fit right, and if used on the outer edge of the quilt the quilt will never lie flat.
B.O.M – Stands for “Block of the month”. This is a popular among quilters and pattern designers. It works like this: The pattern designer creates a pattern that includes multiple blocks (typically 12), the quilter pays monthly and receives a new block pattern each month. At the end of the 12 months she how has a full quilt top. Some of these patterns include optional kits which include pre-cut fabric pieces along with the instructions. Many B.O.M patterns also include setting and finishing techniques.
C
Couching – A term for a technique that involves sewing decorative threads or yarns on the quilt.
Cross grain – This is the second most stable part of the fabric. It runs the width of the fabric, from selvedge edge to selvedge edge.
D
Draft – A rough sketch or drawing used to help visualize or calculate a quilt design or pattern layout.
E
F
Foundation Piecing – A method for creating quilt blocks where your fabric is sewn to a foundation. This foundation can be made of fabric like muslin or it can be made of paper. In some patterns this foundation (when it is fabric) is left in the project for stability.
Free motion Quilting – A method used for “quilting” the top. Free motion quilting requires practice, the ability to lower your “feed dogs” on your machine, and a “darning or free motion” foot. It allows the quilter total freedom to stitch any shape she desires. If you can draw it, you can quilt it! I like to think of this method as drawing by moving my paper ( the fabric) rather than moving my pencil (the needle).
G
Grain line – This most stable part of the fabric. The straight of grain runs the length of the fabric along the selvedge edge.
H
Heat set – This is a term means to press an iron to the item. Example: if you are making a signature quilt and use fabric markers, you will need to press them with a hot iron to make the marks permanent.
I
J
K
L
M
N
“Needle turn” Applique – A method used for sewing one fabric shape to another. This method is done by hand and you use the tip of the hand sewing needle to turn under the raw edges as you sew.
O
P
Paper piecing – A method for creating quilt blocks where your fabric is sewn to a foundation paper. There are many specialty papers/products available in quilt/fabric shops today designed to be easily removed without disturbing your stitches. Some of them are tear away and others are wash away products. Many quilters today have found ways to use other nontraditional papers like standard printer/copy paper and even dry sheets.
Press – Different than “ironing”. When you press an item, you lift and set the iron down on the item. If needed your repeat this process across the entire item. Never sliding the iron, as that would be ironing! Sliding the iron can stretch and distort small shapes easily especially if the “bias edges” are exposed.
Q
Quarter inch foot – A special foot for your sewing machine, that helps you keep an accurate 1/4 inch seam allowance. Most quilt patterns require an accurate ¼ inch seam.
Quilt Sandwich – consists of a quilt top (usually pieced but can be whole cloth), batting (a filler) and a backing (can be pieced or whole cloth). These layers are held together with top stitching known as “quilting”. You can do your quilting by hand or machine, and sometimes it is just tied with yarn.
R
“Raw edge” Applique – A method used for sewing one fabric shape to another. This method does not turn under the raw edges of the fabric prior to sewing them down.
Rotary Cutter – A tool loved by quilters that looks similar to a pizza cutter. It is a round razor blade that fits into tool that makes fast cutting of small fabric pieces. There are many variations and sizes of this tool available to the quilter today. Read your packages, test them before you purchase if you get the chance to find the one you like best. Always follow the safety precautions when using this tool or you might end up needing stitches!
Rotary cutting ruler – An acrylic ruler designed to work with the rotary cutter and mat. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes to make cutting your fabric pieces accurate and efficient.
S
Self healing mat – A cutting mat meant to be used with the “rotary cutter”. When you cut on this mat, the cuts will “self heal” or close on their own. Making it last a long time. However nothing is meant to last forever and over time with repeated cuts in the same area it will eventually need replacing. To get longer wear out of your mats, rotate them frequently if you have a lot of repetitive cutting to do. Store them flat and out of the sunlight at they can warp.
Stitch in the Ditch- The “ditch” is the lower side of the seam allowance. Example: If you press your seam to the left, the “ditch” is the side to the right. Therefore with practice, when you “stitch in the ditch” your stitching disappears into the fabric making it almost invisible.
Straight of grain – This most stable part of the fabric. The straight of grain runs the length of the fabric along the selvedge edge.
T
Tying – An alternate method used instead of quilting the layers together. This method is quick and can be done by younger quilters using large needles and either yarn or embroidery floss.
U
V
W
Walking foot – A special foot for your sewing machine that helps move multiple layers of fabric thru the machine bed with ease. This is especially useful for machine quilting straight lines and for attaching bindings.
X
Y
Y-Seams - Y-seam construction is used when 3 seams meet in 1 place in the quilt block, forming a “Y”.
Z
