Trapunto

Trapunto is a quilting technique that creates a raised, padded relief on fabric by adding extra stuffing behind selected areas of a quilt. The name comes from the Italian trapunto, meaning to stuff or pad. The method has historical associations with Italian textile traditions and later European quiltmaking, and it is valued for producing dimensional, softly sculpted motifs.

In traditional trapunto, the quilt consists of a top fabric layer, a backing layer, and batting. The design is first outlined and quilted on the top fabric. Then padding is inserted behind the designated areas between the top layer and the backing, typically through small openings or channels. The padding may be cotton, wool, or other fiberfill. After the stuffing is in place, the openings are closed and additional stitching helps define the motif’s edges, creating a raised effect. The result is a crisp silhouette with a cushioned, three‑dimensional appearance that is especially effective for motifs such as leaves, birds, and florals.

Modern trapunto often uses similar principles with differing materials or techniques to simplify the process. Some practitioners employ pre‑fabricated padding or fusible battings, while others continue with the traditional method of inserting stuffing between layers. Trapunto remains a distinctive approach in quilting, valued for its tactile texture and sculptural quality.