Quilting
Our Technique for
Quilting
Quilting, A Tradition Continued by Hand
The Leontine quilt is created by stitching two outer layers of fabric together around an inner layer of batting. The result is a subtly textured design that adds both depth and softness. Each quilt stands as a testament to the exceptional artistry that defines our sister company, Eleanor Beard, where our heritage quilts have been patterned and stitched by hand for over a century.
"The customers of Eleanor Beard... have a deep satisfaction in knowing that they are helping to foster a fine American art."
- Eleanor Beard: Original Designs in Fine Hand Quilting (1928)
Our historic quilt patterns are hand transferred onto smooth satin before being stitched together by our artisans. Working from the edges toward the center, each quilt can take up to 140 hours to complete, with every detail hand-stitched and whip-finished. This labor-intensive process produces a wholecloth quilt—one in which the design is entirely sewn rather than pieced from separate fabrics—to create a work of lasting beauty and dimension.
Quilts in Use
It’s important to us that each one of our pieces is lived in and loved. For practicality, all our quilts are machine-washable and easy to care for. Even our beloved pets can enjoy Leontine without worry!
Quilting FAQs
What fabrics do you recommend for the quilts?
Our heritage quilts are all sewn from charmeuse satin, which most beautifully shows off the hand-stitched design as well as offers a luxurious and silky feel, reminiscent of the original quilts from the 1920s. The best part about our charmeuse is its completely washer- and dryer-safe, making these heirloom quilts as easy to care for as they are luxurious.
Can I monogram a Leontine quilt?
You absolutely can! Our quilts are monogrammed in the same fashion they are sewn: the monogram is quilted directly into the fabric of your quilt, becoming part of the overall design. To best accommodate this, we recommend you choose from our applique monogram library. Depending on the quilt design you choose, you monogram may be placed in the center or corner of the piece. Reach out to us for help choosing a style that best fits your vision!
Can I launder my Leontine quilt in my washing machine?
Yes! Leontine’s charmeuse satin is considered easy care, and is both washer- and dryer-safe and doesn’t require any ironing. See our care guide for more detailed tips on washing your linens.
What is the difference between Leontine’s quilts and a patchwork quilt?
Unlike the better-known patchwork style of quilt, Leontine’s quilts are known as whole cloth quilts, also known as white-on-white quilting. A Leontine quilt is made by sandwiching a layer of batting between two pieces of charmeuse. The quilt design is marked with a special chalk on the top layer of charmeuse, and the artisans follow that marking with their delicate stitches to create the pattern. After the quilting is completed, a binding is hand whipstitched on the edge as a finishing step.
How long will a Leontine quilt take to create?
Quilts generally take 12-14 weeks to complete. Only a small handful of artisans create these one-of-a-kind pieces, so occasionally lead times can be longer depending on the number of orders in work.
Please note that this lead time begins once the order is approved, invoiced, and paid. Large-scale orders often require additional lead time, which will be discussed as the details of the order are identified. Your sales team member will provide you withan estimated lead time as you finalize your order. If you have a particular need-by date, please share that with us so that we can help you to place your order by the necessary lead time in order to meet your requested date.
More Leontine Techniques
EMBROIDERY
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APPLIQUE
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