What is a quilted throw?

If you've seen a quilted throw and wondered what actually sets it apart from an ordinary throw, the answer lies in the construction, not just the look.

What does quilted mean?

Quilted means the throw is sewn from three layers: an outer fabric, a layer of filling and a lining. The three layers are held together by quilting stitches that run right through the whole textile in a pattern — often lines or diamonds.

The stitching has a practical function. Without it, the filling would gradually shift and clump together, typically at the bottom or in a corner, leaving the throw uneven — thin in some places and thick in others. The stitching keeps the filling within defined sections, so the thickness stays even, no matter how many times the throw is folded, washed or pulled.

Material and filling

The Quilt Ethnic series from EJA is sewn in cotton with cotton filling — natural material in all three layers, in other words. That means a throw that's breathable and light to lie under, without the build-up of moisture you can get with synthetic filling.

In practice, that makes the throw well suited to a bedroom where an ordinary duvet gets too warm. The combination of cotton fabric and cotton filling gives a textile that breathes with your body, rather than trapping the heat in.

The size and what it's suitable for

Quilted throws from quilted throws-series measure 140 x 180 cm throughout. This size can be used in several ways:

• As a top throw on a 90 or 120 cm wide bed, laid over the duvet in one direction.
• As a decorative bedspread across a 140 or 180 cm bed, where the throw lies like a band over the bed rather than covering it completely.
• As a sofa throw for two people, folded or laid loosely over the seat.

Reversible — two looks in one textile

Several models in the series have a different pattern on the front and back. That means a single throw actually offers two looks — for example a tiger print on one side and a calmer floral pattern like Flora or Amara on the other.

In practice, you can turn the throw over and change the mood of the room without buying a new textile. It's a simple way to vary the colour in a room, without having to choose between two throws.

Quilted throw, throw or bedspread?

The three terms cover different textiles. An ordinary throw is a single layer of fabric with no filling — thin and light, and mostly meant as a decorative or warming layer on top of something else.

A bedspread is sized to cover the whole bed, from headboard to footend and down the sides. The quilted throw sits between the two: it's thicker than an ordinary throw because of the filling, but smaller in size than a full bedspread. Read more about the differences in What's the difference between a throw and a blanket? and The difference between a bedspread, throw and blanket.

Use and styling

The quilted throw's size and thickness make it useful in several places around the home:

• Laid over the foot of the bed as a colourful touch to the bedding.
• Folded over the back of the sofa or the seat, ready to pull over yourself.
• As a light duvet in summer, when an ordinary duvet gets too warm.
• Taken out onto the balcony or terrace as an extra layer on cool evenings.
• Turned around when the room needs to change colour or pattern.

Washing and care

Quilted textiles need to be treated gently, so the stitching holds and the filling doesn't get pushed out of shape. Airing is often a better solution than washing, as frequent washing wears on the stitching and filling over time.

If the throw needs washing, it should afterwards be dried flat or hanging — not in a tumble dryer, where the heat and movement can make the filling clump. See the full washing instructions in How do you care for and wash a throw?.

Summary

A quilted throw is defined by its construction: two layers of fabric with filling in between, held in place by through-stitching. The Quilt Ethnic range from EJA is made from cotton with cotton filling and measures 140 x 180 cm, which makes it usable as a top throw, decorative bedspread or sofa throw depending on the width of the bed. Several designs are reversible with a different pattern on each side, and care should be gentle, with a focus on airing and flat drying rather than tumble drying. Compared with an ordinary throw or a full bedspread, the quilted throw sits in between in both thickness and size.

Read also

• What's the difference between a throw and a blanket?
• The difference between a bedspread, throw and blanket
• How do you care for and wash a throw?
• The difference between cotton, linen and wool in home textiles
• What is a chindi rug?
• Rug underlay: when do you need one?