TRAPUNTO

Trapunto is a technique of three-dimensional quilting, in which individual elements of the pattern are stuffed from within with soft filling so that they bulge above the surface of the fabric, creating a relief, almost sculptural effect. Unlike solid quilting, trapunto accentuates only certain motifs — flowers, leaves, ornaments — making them voluminous 'islands' on a flat ground. The technique originated in Italy (hence the name) as far back as the Middle Ages and was traditionally worked on white fabric with white threads, where it was the relief that created the play. Trapunto requires patience: the pattern is embroidered and then carefully stuffed from the reverse side. In fashion and décor it is valued for its rich, tactile volume. Trapunto is a technique of three-dimensional, relief quilting, in which the stuffing of individual motifs creates a sculptural, raised pattern that gives a piece rich texture and a refined, almost bas-relief beauty.