Quilting

Keywords :

Matelassage

In its most basic sense, quilting is the act of making quilts. What separates quilts from blankets, however, and what permits the technique to expand beyond quilts themselves, is the dimension given to the fabric by stitching. Quilting as a technique, then, can be done on other works besides quilts (think about quilted jackets for winter...).

If the techniques here seem closely related and have similarities, remember that there are also fundamental differences between them. And the results obtained are quite different, as you'll see.

Directions

Two different types of quilting

Although both techniques involve two layers of fabric and stuffing between the two, there are some notable differences:
- The 1st consists of assembling 3 layers (top fabric, stuffing, bottom fabric). The top layer of fabric consists of several smaller pieces of fabric sewn together in patterns. In this category you'll find proper quilting, sometimes called 'English quilting' becuase it originated in Great Britain, and tied (or tuftef) quilting.
- The 2nd consists of using thread to create a pattern on 2 fabrics superimposed upon each other and stuffing certain parts between the 2 fabrics. There you'll find the Provencal boutis technique and its ancestor, Sicilian trapunto
- The techniques involved in quilting are often used in combination with other techniques, notably patchwork and appliqué.

Quilting

Quilting is the most ancient method, originating in the north of Great Britain, and is used to make covers and warm clothing. It consists of sewing together 2 pieces of fabric with a layer of stuffing between them. The top layer is often composed of several smaller pieces of fabric that form patterns.

Tied quilting (tufted quilting)

Tied quilting (also known as tufted quilting) consits of attaching 2 layers of fabric around a layer of stuffing. The layers are held together by a network of isolated stitches. These stitches are simply knotted or decorated with buttons, beads, tassels, etc.

Boutis (corded quilting)

Boutis (also known as Italian or corded quilting) is an old Provençal technique. It consists of using thread to stitch the outlines of a pattern on 2 pieces of fabric superimposed on top of each other. Certain parts are then stuffed with thin strips of cotton cloth, creating a play of depth and shadows. Bedspreads labeled "boutis" that are found in stores are usually quilts, created mechanically. Boutis quilts are always done by hand.

It's also an art of southern France, where the abundant light shows off the relief of the finished work. However, boutis originated in Sicily during the Middle Ages and was imported to France by the Crusaders. The technique won over the nobility near the royal factories of Provence and Languedoc (where it was used to make decorative letters) before becoming widely popular at the end of the 18th century.

See the boutis technique.

Trapunto (stuffed quilting)

Trapunto or stuffed quilting is the Sicilian predecessor of boutis. The cotton strips are replaced by cotton stuffing, making the relief effect more pronounced. Each form to be stuffed is pierced on the wrong side and then resewn with overcast stitching after stuffing. A background lining layer can be added to the quilt afterward to hide the stitches, if desired.

Trapunto