You may have enjoyed snuggling under one, but have you ever wondered what is a quilt? 

It is a type of bedding or bed cover that consists of filler material sandwiched between sheets of cloth, which are held together by several lines of permanent stitching. This layering acts as insulation and allows quilts to provide the warmth they are known for. 

What makes a quilt a quilt? 

It is the act of quilting or stitching on the body of the fabric. This is different from other stitching methods which involve sewing only on the edges of the fabric to keep the layers together. Quilting patterns may also be decorative and not only functional.

What is a quilt and how is one made? 

The top of the quilt can be made of a single large fabric or several small pieces. 

Because of the way it is made, a quilt can have several designs that can have cultural relevance. Some people use quilts to commemorate their history or the special memories they have.

In general, quilts are warm and soft because of the fabrics and the batting used. As there are many kinds of quilts, their characteristics depend on the kind of quilt that we’re talking about.

For instance, traditional quilts commonly have designs that are symmetric and repeat in patterns. It may consist of numerous patches put together. It can also have sashing or fabric strips that line the column and rows of the quilt. The stitches used are simple and made by hand.

In comparison, modern quilts usually have minimalist designs involving bold colors and geometric designs. Stitching may be complex because it is done by sewing machines now.

Now that you know what a quilt is, your next question may be: what is a quilt used for? Quilts have several functions: they can be used as bed spreads, warmers, and for decoration.

Quilts can cover different bed sizes. If you prefer a warm bed feel, use a quilt instead of a regular bed sheet.

Do quilts keep you warm? 

Yes. Quilts serve a similar purpose as blankets. They provide warmth. 

For example, lap-size quilts can be used as blankets when you are sitting. If you’re wondering what size is a lap quilt, they are usually around 45 inches square, or 36 to 48 inches per side.

When quilts are used as bedding, they often go on top of the flat sheet. The top sheet serves as a protective layer to ensure that the quilt doesn’t get soiled, and your skin does not develop any allergic reactions to the quilt material.

Quilts can serve as decor too. They can be placed as bed runners, wrapped around the body, or hung on the wall.

Like with other beddings, quilts come in several standard sizes. Some of these are the following:

• California King Size 
• King Size
• Queen Size
• Double/Full Size
• XL Twin Size
• Single/Twin Size
• Youth Size
• Toddler/Crib Size
• Lap Size

These sizes often match that of mattresses. If you don’t know what size is a queen size quilt, just know it will be around the same size as a queen-size mattress. You can buy the same sizes, but it will be better if you get a quilt one size bigger than the mattress. 

To get a long drop quilt that can serve as a bed cover, add 42 inches to the mattress’ width and 32 inches to the mattress’ length. 

To get a short drop quilt that is used as a comforter or blanket, add 26 inches to the matters’ width and 13 inches to its length. 

To get quilts that are used as coverlets or as a layer between a duvet and top sheet, add 32 inches to the mattress’ width and 26 inches to the mattress’ length.

Now that you know what is a quilt, let’s find out how it differs from a comforter and a duvet. A quilt is quite similar to a comforter, duvet, and blanket because they can all be used as bed sheets and warmers. However, they have some crucial differences:

What is the difference between a comforter and a quilt? 

Quilts are thinner than comforters. 

Although both have fillers between the top and bottom layers of fabric, quilts have thin batting material typically made of cotton. Comforters have stuffing made of loose materials such as down, feathers, etc.

What is the difference between a quilt and a duvet? 

“Duvet” is a French word that translates to “down” in English. On the other hand, the word quilt comes from the Latin “culcita”, which means cushion or mattress. This is because a duvet is often filled with down, while a quilt is cushiony in nature. 

A duvet has two parts: an interior made of insulating material (such as down) and a tough but smooth cover. The duvet cover is often removable and can be washed separately from the duvet insert. 

A quilt is usually coverless. Because of this, quilts are often easier to wash.

Is quilt a blanket? 

Not really, but quilts can be used as a blanket. 

Blankets are made up of a single piece of fabric. Among the three, blankets are the least warm, but they are often the lightest and therefore the easiest to use and clean.

In short, describing what’s a quilt can also involve explaining what it isn’t. People sometimes mistake quilts for other bedding items, but each of them has its differences.

When buying a quilt, you must consider its

Choosing a quilt will depend on what you will use it for. If you will use it as a bed cover, make sure that it will fit the mattress. Know your mattress size and choose a quilt that is the same size or bigger.

If you will use it as a warmer, consider its thickness and material. Down is the warmest of all insulating materials, followed by wool, cotton, polyester, and finally silk. However, it will depend a lot on how thick the material is. A thin wool quilt may not be as warm as a thick cotton one.

If you will use a quilt for decoration, choose one that will go along well with the rest of your bedding. Follow the care instructions on the label. That way you will be able to preserve the colors and designs.

Quilts come in different materials:

Wool: Wool quilts are often quite warm. However, they are non-fluffy and heavier than other types. It will take longer to dry after washing.

Down or Feathers: Quilts made from down or feathers are fluffy and can retain a lot of heat. However, these materials may cause microorganisms to grow, especially when left in damp conditions for a long time.

Cotton: Cotton does not retain much heat as wool or down. So it is suitable for summer nights. It is also hypoallergenic.

Bamboo: Bamboo quilts are lightweight and soft in nature. Although similar in feel, they are more durable than cotton quilts. 

Microfiber: Microfiber and other synthetic materials are lightweight and inexpensive. They are recommended for those who are allergic to organic fillings.

When buying a quilt, consider its GSM (grams per square meter) and loft. GSM measures how warm the quilt is. The higher the GSM, the warmer it will be. A quilt fit for the summer is 250 GSM or lower. Winter quilts are 500 GSM and higher.

Loft is how thick the quilt is. Although GSM matters more than loft when it comes to warmth, loft will tell you how the quilt will feel against your skin. A quilt with high loft may feel like several blankets piled on top of each other.

A quilt should ideally be bigger than the mattress. As a bed cover, the extra cloth will go underneath the mattress. As a warmer, it will need to be large enough to cover the people using the quilt. However, the quilts must not be so large that it dangles off the bed and touches the floor.

Dry cleaning is not recommended for a quilt because it can fade the fabric’s colors. The dry cleaning process is also rough which may cause the material to break apart. Harsh dry clean chemicals may stick to the cloth and irritate the skin of those who use the quilt.

 Because of these reasons, it is better to hand wash a quilt.

Yes, a quilt is a warmer blanket that’s thicker in nature. However, a quilt is a bit harder to carry around because it is heavier than a blanket. It can also be tricky to use layers of quilts since they are thicker in nature. 

You may encounter a quilt blanket – this may be a blanket that has decorative stitching. If it doesn’t have batting material, it is still a blanket.

Quilt I made. pic.twitter.com/VzguG9srmj

— Jennifer Greubel (@GreubelJennifer) November 6, 2022

Quilts are generally warmer than blankets, but the warmth factor also depends on the kind of blanket that you’re using. 

Some blankets are thick and made of highly insulating material. Some quilts have very thin batting that some blankets may be warmer than them. An electric blanket could provide a high level of heat that quilts can’t provide on their own.

A quilt is a versatile piece of fabric that will provide you with warmth, comfort, and decoration for years if you take care of it well. Because it is bound to last for a long time, you must choose a quilt that is the right size and the right material for you. Before buying one, consider what you will use it for, and select products only from reliable brands.