How does a quilt differ from a matelassé?

Q: How does a quilt differ from a matelassé?

A: A quilt is traditionally a bed cover in which a layer of batting, or padding, is placed between two layers of fabric and then stitched into a specific pattern or design to hold the layers in place. Batting is a soft, bulky assembly of fibers that provides loft and a layer of insulation. A “wholecloth quilt” uses a single piece of fabric for the top layer, as compared to a “piecework quilt” that joins smaller sections of fabric together to create the top layer.

On the other hand, matelassé is a fabric that appears to be quilted, but actually has no batting. Specialty jacquard looms are used to give a matelassé fabric a unique appearance of intricate designs, raised patterns, indentations, and the padded look, often associated with quilts.

SFERRA has introduced two new “wholecloth quilt” options for Spring 2014, Sesto and Denina.

Sesto is an elegant quilt that lends a simple, serene layer of beauty and warmth to the bed using our lustrous Fiona sateen, delicately spun and woven in Italy of Egyptian cotton. It’s then enfolded with a layer of cozy fiberfill, and overstitched with a ‘subway tile’ pattern. Sesto is available in quilts, continental and boudoir shams in Grey, Ivory, Leaf, or White.

Denina is a quilt that starts with an Italian-woven floral jacquard fabric, which is then quilted to create a simple, light, oh-so-elegant coverlet. This luxurious master bedroom quilt is made from pure Egyptian cotton, double-stitched with diamond quilting, and finished with a simple bound hem and four rounded corners. Denina is available in quilts in Honey or Ice.