What Exactly Is an Unfinished Quilt Top? (Clear Definition + Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever browsed quilting sites or Etsy listings, you’ve likely seen the term unfinished quilt top and wondered, What exactly does that mean? I often receive emails from customers asking what they will actually receive when they purchase one of my quilt tops. So today, I’m breaking it all down!
Whether you’re new to quilting or just curious, here is my clear definition of an unfinished quilt top—and how it differs from a finished quilt or a quilt kit.
What Is an Unfinished Quilt Top?
An unfinished quilt top is the entire top layer of a quilt—fully pieced, sewn together, and ready for the next steps of the quilting process.
✔️ All fabrics are cut, sewn, and assembled into the complete design
✔️ Borders may be included depending on the pattern
❌ Batting, backing, quilting, and binding are not included
When you purchase a quilt top from my shop, you receive a completely pieced top—beautifully assembled and ready for you (or your longarm quilter) to finish.
Unfinished Quilt Top vs. Finished Quilt
A finished quilt includes:
- the quilt top
- batting
- backing
- quilting
- binding
A finished quilt is ready to display, gift, or snuggle under. An unfinished quilt top is ready to be layered, quilted, and bound.
Knowing the difference helps ensure you get exactly what you expect!
Is an Unfinished Quilt Top the Same as a Quilt Kit?
This is where many people get confused.
Short answer: No. They are very different.
A quilt kit includes:
- a pattern
- fabric (yardage or pre-cut pieces)
With a kit, you assemble the quilt top yourself.
An unfinished quilt top is already fully sewn and assembled. No piecing required.
Other Terms You May See Online
Some sellers use phrases like:
- “ready to finish”
- “ready to quilt”
- “quilt top only”
These are generally interchangeable with unfinished quilt top, and all mean you’re purchasing just the top layer.
Is the Term Confusing?
For non-quilters, yes—it can definitely be confusing! That’s why I love providing clear descriptions. The more buyers understand the difference between a quilt top vs. a finished quilt, the easier it is to choose the right product.
Click here to see the current quilt tops I have for sale and ready to ship.