Pronunciation: [kwˈɪlts] (IPA) 
The word "quilts" is spelled with a "q-u-i-l-t-s" and pronounced as /kwɪlts/. The "qu" combination represents a voiceless labio-velar stop, while "i" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɪ/. The letter "l" in "quilts" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral consonant and followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative sound /ts/. This spelling is important as it distinguishes the word from other similar words like "quells" and "quilt."
Quilts are thick bed coverings comprised of three layers: a top decorative layer, a middle insulated layer, and a bottom layer traditionally made of plain fabric. These layers are stitched together with fine, intricate patterns, creating a distinctive quilted texture. Quilts are typically made by sewing or hand-stitching pieces of fabric together, a process known as quilting. The top layer of a quilt often consists of intricately designed patches or blocks of fabric, carefully chosen for their color, pattern, and texture. Some quilts feature motifs, symbols, or narrative scenes, making them both functional and artistic pieces.
The middle layer, called the batting or wadding, provides insulation and warmth. Historically, materials such as cotton, wool, or down feathers have been used for the batting, though synthetic fibers are commonly used today. The bottom layer, known as the backing, is usually made of a solid color fabric or can be made from different fabric pieces stitched together.
Quilts carry cultural significance and have been an essential part of various traditions and communities. They have served as keepsakes, family heirlooms, and works of art. Quilts are often associated with warmth, comfort, and coziness, making them ideal for cold weather or as versatile decorative elements in a home. Today, quilting is not limited to bed coverings; it can also be found in various textile items such as wall hangings, jackets, and accessories.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "quilts" has its etymology from the Latin word "culcita" which means a stuffed sack or cushion. This Latin term was then borrowed into Old French as "cuilte" around the 13th century, referring to a heavy mattress or bedspread. Over time, the word evolved and was adopted into English as "quilt" in the 14th century, referring to a bed covering consisting of two layers of fabric with padding in between, stitched together in a decorative pattern. The plural form "quilts" is simply derived from adding an "s" at the end to indicate multiple instances of the noun.
