Quilt Anatomy
Quilt Sandwich
The three-layer stack of quilt top, batting, and backing ready for quilting.
The quilt sandwich refers to the three layers of a quilt — top, batting, and backing — assembled together before quilting. The layers must be basted (temporarily held together) to prevent shifting during quilting. Basting methods include safety pins, thread basting, or basting spray. A well-made quilt sandwich has the backing and batting extending 2–4 inches beyond the quilt top on all sides. Once quilting is complete, the excess batting and backing are trimmed away before binding is applied.
Related Terms
Batting (Wadding)The middle layer of a quilt sandwich, providing loft, warmth, and texture.Quilt BackingThe fabric layer on the underside of a finished quilt.BastingTemporarily securing the three layers of a quilt sandwich before quilting.BindingStrips of fabric sewn around the perimeter of a finished quilt to enclose and finish the raw edges.
Practice makes perfect.
NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.