What is a Matelassé?

Here at A Touch of Lace we are always asked what the difference is between a matelassé and a coverlet. So we're here today to let you know what exactly a matelassé is.
Matelassé (pronounced matt-le-say) is a French word meaning padded, lined or quilted. It is used to describe fabric that appears to be quilted, but actually has no padding within the fabric. Specialty jacquard looms are used to give a matelassé fabric a unique appearance or intricate designs, raised patterns, indentations, and the padded look often associated with quilts.

Below is one of SFERRA's newest matelassé styles, Asti.