Are Patchwork & Quilting The Same Thing?
When I joined my first quilting course, we started with patchwork, but I was immediately called a quilter.
I remember thinking: hoooold on, am I already a quilter? I've only been at this five minutes! Or is this just patchwork?
Confusing, isn't it?! If you've ever wondered the same, you are most definitely not alone!
Let's break down the difference between patchwork and quilting so you can sew, shop, and chat about your new found hobby with confidence.
Patchwork is often the first thing we learn when we start quilting. It's the process of choosing your fabrics, cutting them into shapes or strips, and then stitching them back together to form a design.
This process is also called piecing, and the finished design you create is known as your quilt top.
Tip: Starting with a simple patchwork project is a brilliant way to build confidence. It's creative, forgiving, and gives you the joy of seeing a design come together, stitch by stitch.
Quilting Comes Next (And It's a Whole Other Layer)
Once your patchwork quilt top is finished, it's time for the quilting.
Quilting is the process of stitching together three layers:
1. The quilt top (your lovely patchwork)
2. The batting or wadding (the fluffy middle layer)
3. The backing fabric (usually a plain cotton fabric).
These stitches hold everything together, and they're where your creativity can really shine.
Why We Quilt: Beauty, Strength, and Snuggle-ability (new word!)
Structure: Quilting keeps your quilt layers together and your seams secure.
Decoration: It adds texture and pattern. Simple lines or intricate swirls, it's up to you.
Warmth: The quilting traps air between the layers and gives that signature squishy, snuggly feeling.
In my YouTube video (scroll down for the link), I showed two table mats made from the same patchwork design. One is quilted gently and drapes beautifully; the other is more densely quilted and feels firmer. Both lovely, just different!
So... Which One Do YOU Need to Do?
You can absolutely choose what suits you best.
Some people love patchwork but send their tops out to be quilted. Others skip the patchwork and just enjoy the quilting process.
You're a quilter either way. Truly.
It's just how we roll in the quilting world.
Welcome to the club!
Patchwork = Piecing fabric together to create a quilt top
Quilting = Stitching all the layers together to finish the quilt
You learn patchwork first but you're called a quilter straight away!
Whether you piece, quilt, or both – you're a quilter.
And you belong here.
Here's how I can help you begin with confidence:
📺 Watch the
full video on YouTube – I walk through examples and share tips (clicking on the image below will take you to YouTube).
Thanks so much for reading.
See you next time! 💕
KIm xx
07/14/2025 09:00:00 +0000
