quiltlike

Quiltlike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles a quilt in appearance or structure. In its most direct sense, it refers to objects or surfaces that are patchworked, with irregularly shaped pieces sewn together and often featuring visible stitching. The term can also be used more broadly to indicate a composite or mosaic arrangement of diverse elements that come together to form a cohesive whole.

For textiles and craft, a quiltlike design emphasizes variation in color, texture, and shape, mirroring traditional patchwork quilts. In other domains, quiltlike is used metaphorically: a quiltlike map or urban plan describes a layout made from distinct districts or blocks; a quiltlike narrative stitches together multiple perspectives, vignettes, or timelines.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is formed by taking the noun quilt and adding the suffix -like. It is used descriptively and tends to appear in design criticism, art writing, and qualitative descriptions, rather than as a technical term in a single field.

See also: patchwork, mosaic, collage, tessellation.