Quilting Word of the Week – Trapunto

Trapunto – This involves stuffing quilt pieces to give them a three dimensional effect.  Usually you stitch a design on your piece (pillow top, quilt, quilt hanging, etc.)  Then you stuff individual sections. For instance, if you have a flower on your pillow design, you stitch around the leaves, stem, or petals. 

Nest make a slit in the back and stuff it with batting.  You’ll need a long needle, crochet hook, or something made especially for this technique.  When you have the desired puffiness, stitch the opening shut, then proceed as usual with your project.

Quilters often do trapunto on white or solid color cloth.  Also, there are machine techniques for trapunto nowadays. 

Trapunto, whether by hand or machine, results in lovely fabric art. 

Do you have any special techniques for doing trapunto?

(Amazon image)