QUILTING

Quilting is a technique in which two layers of fabric with a soft filling (batting, wadding) between them are stitched right through with patterned rows of stitches, joining them into a single three-dimensional quilted fabric. The stitches not only hold the filling in place but also form a relief design — diamonds, waves, free contours. Quilting gives warmth and volume, so it is used in jackets, coats, gilets and, of course, blankets. Historically quilted things kept people warm in many cultures; today quilting is both a practical insulation technology and a decorative device. In fashion quilted textures are associated with comfort, cosiness and the recognisable 'puffed' silhouette.