When it comes to the world of quilt making, two terms that are often used interchangeably are "patchwork" and "quilting" but while they may seem similar at first glance, the two techniques have distinct differences. If the two terms are used interchangeably, you might be asking yourself, " what's the difference between patchwork and quilting then?"

While both patchwork and quilting involve sewing and creating beautiful fabric creations, they serve different purposes and require different unique skills. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just getting started, it's important to know what sets "patchwork" and "quilting" apart.

Why Is ”Patchwork” and ”Quilting” Used Interchangeably?

At face value, "patchwork" and "quilting" look like the same thing. After all, they are both two key components to quilt making, and this is why "patchwork" and "quilting" are used interchangeably.

However, you can craft things out of patchwork - such as napkins, cushions and clothes - without having to quilt them at all. You can also quilt a geometric series of lines onto a single piece of fabric and use this as your quilt top - no assembling of quilt blocks or patches of fabric necessary.

What is Patchwork?

Patchwork is a fabric craft that involves sewing together small pieces of fabric to create a larger, visually appealing piece of fabric. These small fabric pieces, often referred to as "patches" or "quilt blocks," are typically geometric shapes like squares, triangles, or hexagons. Depending on the shapes and patterns stitched together, these patchwork pieces can be assembled to create intricate designs.

The best way to think of patchwork is to consider it the assembly process. Before you can start assembling an entire quilt together, you first of all need to make the quilt top. The quilt top is the first layer of a quilt and is often made by patchworking. The benefits of patchworking your own quilt top is you can make it as colourful and as intricate as you like!

What is Quilting?

Quilting has two definitions but one is used more broadly than the other.

The colloquial definition of quilting, and the one that most people are familiar with, is the creative process of making a quilt. The term "quilting" is often used to refer to the creative process as a whole, rather than the final steps of the process when the different layers are quilted together. This definition is the same as "quilt making".

The other, more accurate definition of quilting relates specifically to the stitching process. A quilt consists of a quilt top, a layer of wadding, and a piece of extra wide backing fabric. This is called a quilt sandwich, and quilting is the artform of stitching these layers into one cohesive piece called a quilt. Quilting can be as simple as stitching around the edge of the quilt sandwich, or it can be as advanced as stitching intricate designs across the quilt top.

The best way to think of quilting is to consider it the post-production stage. Once you have your quilt sandwich assembled, stitching it all together is the art of quilting. Just like with patchwork, quilting gives you the chance to be as creative as you want to be. If you want a clean, tidy finish you might want to stitch-in-the-ditch. If you want a more extravagant finish, free-motion quilting will give you the freedom to stitch whatever patterns you want!

What Is the Best Fabric to Use for Patchwork and Quilting?

The best fabric to use for patchwork and quilting is 100% cotton fabric, preferably quilters weight. Quilters weight cotton is specifically designed for being used in quilts and other patchworking crafts. Quilting cotton is soft and durable which makes it comfortable and long-lasting, two properties every quilt needs!

Find out everything you need to know about the best quilting fabric brands to guarantee your quilt has the high quality feel it deserves!

Fat Quarter Bundles

Fat quarter bundles are perfect for patchwork and quilting. Fat Quarters are a cut of fabric shaped specifically to make patchwork projects easier. We have loads of fat quarter bundles available in a range of colours and sizes, so there's a fat quarter bundle for every occasion!

Conclusion

In summary, patchwork and quilting are two distinct yet interconnected quilt making techniques. While patchwork focuses on creating visually stunning fabric designs, quilting encompasses the entire process of crafting a quilt. Whether you're drawn to the precision of patchwork or the artistry of quilting, there's a world of possibilities awaiting you in the realm of quilt making and fabric crafts.

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