What does quilling mean?
Quilling is the art of making decorative designs from narrow strips of paper, which are rolled, looped, folded, or shaped and then joined with glue. The resulting patterns often resemble filigree and may depict flowers, leaves, birds, or geometric motifs. The word can also denote a related sewing method in which fabric is gathered around a cord-like filling, although this sense is much less common in modern usage. Historically, quilling referred to writing with a quill pen, because the nib of a feather quill could be cut to a fine point and used to produce flexible lines. In contemporary usage, however, paper quilling is by far the dominant sense. It is popular in card-making, framing, home decoration, and educational crafts because it is inexpensive, portable, and capable of producing intricate results from simple materials. Quilling should not be confused with quilting, which involves joining layers of fabric with stitches rather than arranging paper strips.
The craft of arranging strips of paper into decorative patterns, or a design made by this technique.
"The frame contains a fine piece of quilling in shades of blue and gold."
This is the dominant modern sense; the term is also used attributively, as in paper quilling.
To make or decorate something using the paper craft of quilling.
"She quilled flowers for the handmade card."
This form is less common than the noun and often appears in descriptions of decorative arts and crafts.
The plural is used for individual examples or collections of quilled designs, though it is uncommon.
"The exhibition displayed several delicate quillings from the early nineteenth century."
Paper quilling turns simple strips into scrollwork, flowers, and miniature landscapes without requiring a single brushstroke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quilling come from?
The word quilling derives from quill, the central shaft of a feather, which was also used as a writing instrument. Adding the suffix -ing creates a noun for a craft, technique, or activity associated with quills. The earlier history of quill is less certain, so a precise claim about its ultimate language of origin would be speculative.
How quilling is actually used
Today, quilling most often refers to the paper craft. Its sewing and writing senses are historical or uncommon, so context is important.
Easily confused with quilling
Quilling uses rolled or folded strips of paper, whereas quilting stitches together layers of fabric, usually with padding between them.