Trapuntato

Trapuntato is an Italian adjective meaning quilted or tufted, used to describe textiles and surfaces in which multiple layers of fabric, padding, and lining are joined by stitching to create a padded, textured finish. The term derives from trapunta, meaning tuft or stitching, with puntato referring to the act of stitching.

In practice, trapuntato fabrics are produced by sewing through the entire fabric-and-padding sandwich along a regular pattern, typically forming channels or diamonds. This yields a two- or three-dimensional effect, adds warmth and body, and is valued in coats, jackets, bags, upholstery, and bedding. The technique is closely related to quilting and to the trapunto technique, which can produce a raised effect by inserting extra padding to create dimensional designs.

Common patterns include parallel channels, diamond or square grids, and occasional decorative motifs. In fashion, trapuntato jackets and coats are popular for their structure and insulation, while in interiors the method appears in padded headboards, sofas, and ottomans, as well as in mattresses and cushions. The term describes the finished look as much as the process, and variations exist in stitching density, padding thickness, and pattern.

As a descriptive term, trapuntato covers a range of quilting and padding methods rather than a single standardized technique. It reflects broader traditions of textile padding and upholstery across Europe and remains common in both artisanal and mass-produced goods, spanning fashion, furniture, and home textiles.