What is the difference between a quilt and a comforter?
A quilt is a thin, but heavy blanket constructed of three layers (a layer of batting sandwiched between a top and bottom layer of fabric) that are held together by elaborate stitching. A comforter is a soft, puffy blanket filled with an airy but cozy material such as down or a down synthetic. Because they are thinner than a comforter, quilts are usually used over the top of other blankets, while comforters often exist as the only layer on a bed. It’s also common to see a quilt folded at the foot of a comforter-topped bed as a standby for chillier nights. Traditionally, quilts were constructed of pieced-together scraps of fabric that had been stitched together to create striking patterns. Today, many quilts are made from a single piece of fabric that has been embellished with stitching to mimic the appearance of a traditional quilt. Similarly, many duvets feature quilting as a functional feature, as quilting helps to keep the inner batting from shifting.
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Lead photo by Robert Benson Photography