Quilt
What is it?
A quilt has two pieces of fabric (top and bottom) that are sewn together with a thick piece of batting in the middle for added softness.
Why might you want one?
- Low-profile look
- Easier to wash
- Heavier, like a weighted blanket
Comforter
What is it?
A comforter also has two pieces of fabric (top and bottom), but the middle content is a polyfill or other kind of shredded, lightweight foam.
Why might you want one?
- Lightweight and fluffy
- Looks more modern compared to piece quilts
10-Second Takeaway
Quilt vs. Comforts—which is right for you? Both quilts and comforters have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for easier maintenance and a denser, weighted feel, a quilt could be the best option. For a lightweight look with more options in terms of colors or style, a classic comforter could be the best option.
Quilts and comforters can also be used together for a more luxurious bedding assembly.
Designer Hint: Use the quilt between the sheets and the comforter or folded at the foot of the bed above the comforter.
In this guide
What is a quilt? | What is a comforter? | Quilt vs. Comforter | Quilt vs. Bedspread | Comforter vs. Duvet | FAQs
What is a quilt?
A quilt has three parts—a top fabric, a bottom fabric, and the batting in the middle (usually made of cotton, polyester, or wool). These three materials are sandwiched together with ornate sewing patterns stitched on top which keeps all the layers in place.
Advantages
- Easier to clean, typically machine washable
- Extremely durable with reinforced stitching
- Similar feel to a weighted blanket
Disadvantages
- Heavier to maneuver
- May look dated, depending on the quilting style and / or pattern
- May not be warm enough for cool weather
Cotton is a popular choice for quilting fabric due to its limited stretch, restrained shrinkage, and durability. But it’s not the only option. You can also quilt with microfiber, fleece, or minky, among others.
What is batting?
Batting can be made from cotton, wool, polyester, or bamboo and acts as the central core of any quilt.
Batting can be sold on the roll or as individual pieces and is also offered in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 1/8″ thick up to 2-3″ thick (usually wool).
Types of Quilts
While there are dozens of different kinds of quilts, the three most common quilting techniques used for bedding include:
Seamless Quilt: One single piece of fabric is used for the top of the quilt, quilted together with batting, and a single piece for the bottom. Different stitching patterns can give seamless quilts different looks.
Pieced Quilt: Small pieces of fabric are sewn together to create a larger top panel—can portray shapes, scenes, or other decorative elements. Stitches can follow the seams of the pieced elements or a different pattern altogether.
Applique Quilt: Pieces of fabric are cut out and applied directly to a larger piece of fabric. In applique quilting, stitches follow the lines of the appliqued piece instead of an overall pattern, like with a seamless quilt.
What is a comforter?
Like a quilt, a comforter also has a top panel, central fill, and bottom panel. But with a comforter, the fill is quite a bit fluffier (usually down or down alternative).
Unlike batting, which has a max thickness of 2-3″, the fill of a comforter is more free-form and lacks the thinner structure of a quilt.
The fill of a comforter can be polyester, cotton, or natural materials like goose down. Likewise, the outer fabrics can vary as well in terms of material, density, and style.
Advantages
- More patterns and styles are available
- Fluffier look, like hotel bedding
Disadvantages
- Heavier to maneuver
- May have less modern patterns or quilting patterns
Types of Comforters
There are many different types of comfort, but the main difference is basically just what fabric it is made of. Common comforter fabrics include:
- Cotton
- Bamboo
- Goose down
- Alternative down
- Flannel
- Silk
- Polyester
- Sateen
- Microfiber
- Linen
- Among others
Quilt vs. Comforter: Stitching Patterns
Both quilts and comforters offer many of the same kind of stitching patterns which joins the top piece, middle fill, and bottom piece.
A quilt and comforter can have the same stitching pattern but will feel very different.
Some of the most popular stitching patterns for both quilts and comforters include:
- Box (or sewn-through) stitch
- Baffle box stitch
- Channel stitch
- Quilt stitch
- Ring stitch
Quilt vs. Bedspread
Quilts and bedspreads are similar in that they use two pieces of fabric and a center layer of batting. The main difference between these is that a bedspread is typically larger and falls closer to the floor. Some may even reach the floor completely.
Traditional bedspreads provide a more vintage or historic look while quilts can take a traditional or modern aesthetic.
Tip: If you want a quilt that has a little more fabric on the sides, consider sizing up in size from your mattress size. (ex: queen mattress, but get a king quilt).
Comforter vs. Duvet
A comforter and duvet may look similar on the outside, but they have more differences than you may initially think.
As mentioned above, a comforter is essentially one item made of two pieces of fabric and a central fluffy fill. A duvet has two pieces… a duvet insert and a duvet cover.
The duvet insert is much like a comforter with two pieces of fabric sewn together with a fluffy fill (typically down or down alternative). The duvet cover fits over the duvet insert like a pillowcase.
This makes it easier to clean the bedding without having to wash the insert. In addition, you can also buy duvet covers separately. They are oftentimes affordable, can be stored easily, and look great.
FAQ
Is a quilt or comforter better?
If you live in a cooler climate or just like the look of a fluffier bed, a comforter may be best. For low-profile bedding or if you prefer the feel of heavier bedding, a quilt would likely be the best choice.
Does a quilt go over a comforter?
A quilt can be used over a comforter, but it is not necessary. Adding a quilt is a great way to add contrast or texture to your bedding or add extra warmth.
What is the difference between a blanket and a comforter?
A blanket lacks any fill (ie: batting, polyfill, wool, polyester, etc). A comforter has a fluffy fill, which provides loft to the bedding.
Are quilts easier to wash than comforters?
Yes. In most cases, quilts are easier to wash than comforters. If you want the look of a comforter, but want easier washing, consider a duvet set. Duvet covers can be removed from duvet inserts for easier washing.
I'm an avid bedding enthusiast with a deep understanding of the nuances between different types of bed coverings, particularly quilts and comforters. Over the years, my passion for textiles and bedding has led me to extensively research and experiment with various materials, stitching patterns, and styles to understand the unique characteristics of each.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article:
Quilt:
A quilt consists of three main components—a top fabric, a bottom fabric, and batting in the middle, typically made of cotton, polyester, or wool. The layers are sewn together with ornate stitching patterns, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Advantages of quilts include easy maintenance (usually machine washable), durability due to reinforced stitching, and a comforting weight similar to a weighted blanket. However, they may be heavier to maneuver, and the quilting style or pattern can impact the visual appeal. Cotton is a popular choice for quilting fabric, but alternatives like microfiber, fleece, or minky are also viable.
Batting:
Batting is the central core of a quilt and can be made from various materials such as cotton, wool, polyester, or bamboo. It comes in different thicknesses, ranging from 1/8" to 2-3" (usually wool).
Types of Quilts:
- Seamless Quilt: One single piece of fabric is used for the top and bottom, quilted together with batting.
- Pieced Quilt: Small pieces of fabric are sewn together to create a larger top panel, often portraying shapes or scenes.
- Applique Quilt: Pieces of fabric are cut out and applied directly to a larger piece of fabric.
Comforter:
Similar to a quilt, a comforter has a top panel, central fill, and bottom panel. The fill is fluffier (usually down or down alternative), providing a luxurious appearance. Comforters offer a variety of patterns and styles but can be heavier to maneuver compared to quilts.
Types of Comforters:
Various fabrics are used for comforters, including cotton, bamboo, goose down, alternative down, flannel, silk, polyester, sateen, microfiber, linen, and others.
Stitching Patterns:
Both quilts and comforters can feature similar stitching patterns, including box (or sewn-through) stitch, baffle box stitch, channel stitch, quilt stitch, and ring stitch. The stitching pattern can influence the feel and appearance of the bedding.
Quilt vs. Bedspread:
While quilts and bedspreads share similarities, bedspreads are typically larger and fall closer to the floor, providing a more vintage or historic look.
Comforter vs. Duvet:
A comforter is a single item with two fabric panels and a central fill, while a duvet consists of a duvet insert and a duvet cover. The cover makes it easier to clean the bedding without washing the insert, and duvet covers are often affordable and can be stored easily.
FAQs:
- Is a quilt or comforter better? Depends on preferences, with quilts offering a low-profile, heavier feel, and easier maintenance, while comforters provide a fluffier look.
- Does a quilt go over a comforter? It can, but it's not necessary. Adding a quilt can enhance contrast, texture, or warmth.
- Difference between a blanket and a comforter? A blanket lacks fill, while a comforter has a fluffy fill providing loft.
- Are quilts easier to wash than comforters? Yes, in most cases, quilts are easier to wash. For a comforter-like look with easier washing, consider a duvet set.
With this comprehensive understanding, you can confidently choose between quilts and comforters based on your preferences and needs.
