Wikipedia defines the term "quilt" as, “A quilt is a type of bedding— a bed covering composed of a quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of fabric for backing, generally combined using the technique of quilting. Another technique for securing the quilt layers is tying. Tying refers to the technique of using thread, yarn or ribbon to pass through all three layers of the quilt at regular intervals. These “ties” hold the layers together during use and especially when the quilt is washed. This method is easier and more forgiving if the quilt is made by hand. Tied quilts are called, depending on the regional area, “lap”, “comfort” or “comforter”, among other names. Many quilts are made with decorative designs; indeed, some quilts are not used as bed covering at all, but are rather made to be hung on a wall or otherwise displayed. In British English, quilt is another way of saying duvet, wadding is another way of saying batting, and calico refers to muslin rather than to a fabric with a printed pattern on it.”

     The intent of this article is not to actually define a quilt, as I honestly believe that that is an impossible task. The objective of this article is to cause you to think, evaluate your ideas, come to conclusions, and hopefully, share your final thoughts with all of us. It is extremely important to note that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers here and neither are there any opinions that are written in stone. I, for one, know that I am apt to change my opinion on subjects as new information is brought to my attention.

     Over the past few months, I have read and heard various ideas about what truly makes a quilt a quilt. Some of the questions posed about defining a true quilt include:

1. Does a quilt have to have batting to be a quilt?

2. Can it be called a quilt if its primary purpose is to hang on the wall?

3. Is it a quilt if it has embellishments?

4. Is it a quilt if it is tied, versus quilted?

5. Is it a quilt if it is not hand-quilted?

6. Can it be classified as a quilt if it cannot be washed?

7. Are “art quilts” quilts?

     These are just a few questions for consideration, and oddly enough, some of the questions above have caused many a debate in the quilting world! However, this article is not intended to spark a debate; merely a conversation about the definition of a “quilt”. I would not be surprised if we are left with more questions and new thoughts to ponder!  Also, to add more interest to this controversy, be sure to read the article, "Quilting:  Hobby or Not?".

     Quilting is one of the best solutions to relieve stress that I know of.  And the really amazing thing about quilting is that anyone can learn how to quilt!  In fact, believe this or not, I hate to sew!!!  Yes, you read that correctly:  I HATE TO SEW.  To me, sewing a quilt top together does not equal sewing!  I equate "sewing" with making garments, and garment-making is one of the most stressful things I have ever tried my hand at.  Weird, I know, but that is how my brain operates!  You may be asking yourself how I became hooked on quilting since I hate to sew and the answer for that is outlined in my biography. 

     The bottom line for me is that it does not really matter how anyone defines a quilt; it is my definition that matters to me, and it is your definition that should matter to you.  And this, my friends, is what makes quilting unique and enjoyable!

     This leads to one final question:   What is a quilt to you?

     Comments are appreciated and may be left regarding this article on Quilting By Design on or after 05/16/07.

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