molly oldham

Excuse my ignorance but I've seen the term "flimsy" used. I've always used that to refer to something insubstantial. What does it mean in quilting terms?

ckcowl

I too have been 'confused' when someone said they made a 'flimsy' because I too consider something flimsy to be - insubstantial .... so questioned this a few months ago---evidently that is what some people have decided to call their quilt tops- before they are sandwiched and quilted...I don't get it, why such a negative term would be tagged onto a wonderful quilt top- but I guess that's what some think is the appropriate term for their tops.

feline fanatic

A flimsy is an unquilted quilt top. Termed as such because compared to the completed, layered, quilted quilt the top is quite flimsy in comparison.

Edited to add that by dictionary terms it is quite fitting. Until the top is quilted it can't be used so hence "ineffective". Washing an unquilted top is flirting with disaster, you may take a tangled mess of strips and threads out of your washer so it is ill advised, hence the definition of weak, without material strength is also quite appropriate. Also think of how flexible an unquilted top is. It really is quite flimsy in structure like a thin kind of paper.

I think the term flimsy is quite applicable for an unfinished top. It is not meant in a derogatory sense but in the literal.

PaperPrincess

I've heard the term before. Maybe it's regional? I've also heard several other terms for sashing. Lattice is one that comes to mind, but I know I've heard others.

DebraK

excactly. language evolves.

QuiltE

And Quilters Language .... really evolves!


ITA with the above, that our Quilt FLIMSY, really does make sense for the regular definition of flimsy. After all, an unquilted quilt top is quite weak, inadequate and without strength or solidity.

When you are confused with "quilter's language" ... here's a good reference listing, including the oft used FART!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t178507.html

dunster

Most of us still call it a quilt top.

Wonky is another word that has a special meaning to quilters. (Well, maybe "special" is not the word. "Dreaded" might be better.)

Jingle

Must be a regional thing. I have only noticed lately that term being used. I think I will just refer to tops as tops and let others use whatever term they like.

bearisgray

I still prefer " quiilt top" to " flimsy"

nativetexan

another made up word for quilt top to me. I don't use it myself.