Patchwork and quilting
American crazy patchwork is very similar to the (American) crazy quilts, but it is used for other purposes, rather than as a (bed) covering or quilt. It may be used for clothing, as well as items such as cushion covers or curtains.
In the USA, batting is the general term for the middle layer, or filling, of a quilt or quilted item. Examples of batting include wool left over from shearing, rags, used clothing or blankets, cotton or polyester. The UK term for batting is wadding. The upper cloth layer of a quilt is known as the top or top layer, while the bottom is known as the lining or backing.
A block, in quilting, is the basic unit used to create a decorative quilt top. Blocks are usually square, but diamonds, hexagons, octagons, etc. are also used. Blocks are sewn together to make pre-determined (larger) patterns using patchwork techniques. Many blocks are also known by specific names, such as 'log cabin' (or 'loghouse'), 'pinwheel' or 'star'.
Cord quilting is a form of relief quilting, in which lengths of cord or thick wool are outlined by parallel lines of usually either a running stitch or back stitch. There are two ways in which this technique can be worked.
Corded quilting (also known as Italian quilting) is a technique in which a double outline in small running stitches is worked through two layers of opaque material. This forms a narrow channel into which a cord or thick thread (usually either wool or cotton) is threaded from the back. This creates a series of lines in relief. This form of quilting can be found in many countries, not just Italy.
Echo quilting is a style of work, either carried out by hand or machine, in which the stitching follows one or more specific (appliqué) patterns. The quilting lines are running along and parallel to the outline of the patterns, like the ripples or an echo of the shape. This form of work is often used for Hawaiian quilts.
English quilting is a technique whereby the whole article is padded and the design outlined in small running stitches, taken through three layers of material. It is important that each stitch is made in two separate movements, downwards and upwards and through all the layers of material.
Flat quilting is an American term sometimes used to describe a form of quilting whereby only two pieces of cloth are sewn together.
A half buttonhole is a stitch that is often used in utility quilting. It is worked as one 'leg' of the buttonhole stitch, creating a line of L-shaped stitches.
This is a form of patchwork whereby a design is cut out of two pieces of cloth, which are, generally, differently coloured. Each design cut out from one piece of cloth is sewn into the hole made by the other.
The Methodist knot is used for utility quilting. It consist of a set of a long straight stitch followed by a short straight stitch, worked in a line. WV