The unusual quilting terms generally refer to specific designs or special techniques. "Applique" is the basic sewing technique for attaching pieces of material to a background fabric.

There are various appliques. Material that has been treated with an adhesive that fuses fabric pieces together when pressed with a warm iron, is called a "fusible web". "Scherenschnitte" makes a lacy design using a German paper cutting technique. Interfaces that can be ironed on for easier applique all called "fusibles." "Broderie Perse" is a technique where larger images are applied onto a new background fabric. This came about as it made expensive prints from SE Asia go further. Stitching alongside a seam or edge is called "In-the-ditch quilting".

Designs come from all over the world. "Baltimore Album Quilts" are designs that are white with garden imagery in reds and greens, which were popularized in Baltimore, Maryland. Embroidery patterns developed during the reign of James I of Scotland with a tree of life common motif, is "Jacobean Applique". A popular gift for children is a "Quillow"; a cross between a sleeping bag, pillow and a quilt.

"Clamshell" is an overlapping pattern reminiscent of fish scales. A tie-dyed fabric from simple dots to the intricate is named "Ikat". "Kente Cloth" are designs from Ghana and the Ivory Coast. "Kuba Cloth" comes from Zaire and "Mud Cloth" from Mali. Cotton sacks ("Feed Sack Fabrics") for flour, sugar, rice, or feeds, prior to 1950, were used for quilts. "Molas" is folk art from Panama using rectangular pieces in women's blouses.