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Machine piecing - Machine piecing refers to piecing the quilt on your sewing machine as opposed to hand piecing which is sewing the quilt by hand.

Machine quilting - Machine quilting refers to quilting the top, batting and backing together by using a sewing machine.

Marking - Quilters mark their quilts with a design using many different tools and techniques. Always test a scrap of fabric before marking your quilt top. The marking lines should easily wash out of fabric. The lines should not wear off completely when you handle the quilt or you will have to remark the top.

Masking tape - Thin masking tape (1/4 inch thick) can be applied to your top temporarily to be used as a guide for quilting stitches. If you leave the tape on your quilt for a long period of time, a sticky residue may stain the top. Make sure you use the tape as a temporary guide.

Masking tape also comes in handy when getting your quilt ready for basting. I use this tape to secure the edges of the backing to my table.

Meander - Meandering is a type of a random quilting pattern that will add texture to the quilt surface. It can be done by hand or by machine.

Medallion - A medallion quilt is a quilt with a large center block that is the focal point of the quilt. It may be surrounded by other quilt blocks or borders. Sometimes the center is a motif found printed on fabric or it is a pieced or appliqueed design.

Muslin - Muslin is a type of woven cotton material that quilters often use as a background fabric. It usually costs less than other cottons. Muslin comes in two "flavors"; unbleached (beige in color) or bleached (white). It is also available in different widths (not always 45 inches) so be careful to check this out before your purchase. 90 inches or larger muslin makes a nice backing for a larger quilt because it does not have to be pieced. Muslin also comes in different weights and thread counts. The heavier muslin is more suitable for quilting. The lighter weight is often woven loosely and hard to handle.

Nap - Nap refers to the direction the fabric fibers are brushed in textured fabrics such as velvets and corduroys.

Needles - There are many different sizes and shapes of needles available. Each type of needle is best suited for a certain sewing job. Always try to use the proper needle for your sewing project. For more info see betweens and sharps.

Needle turn applique - Needle turn applique refers to a hand sewing technique. Your pattern is first drawn on top of a piece of fabric. The appliqué pattern is placed on the background fabric. As you sew around the design, the seam allowance is cut and turned under using your needle.

Nine patch - A nine patch is a popular block. It is a block with nine sections divided into three rows of three.

One patch - A one patch quilt is made up of only one shape that is repeated throughout the quilt; all triangles, all rectangles, all hexagons, etc.

Orphan blocks - Blocks separated from their 'family' (quilt) are orphans. These blocks were the leftovers from a project. I save these and use them in other projects.

Outline quilting - Outline quilting gives texture to a piece. The design (appliqué, pieced block or fabric motif) is outlined by your quilting. This can be done by hand or by machine.