Quilting methods on mattresses explained

Updated 2020: Quilting is by far the most prolific method of mattress cover finishes. It is used the most frequently as it offers the manufacturer and retailer the opportunity to provide more of a ‘difference’ between mattresses. Even though the insides will be pretty much be identical. Once you steer away from looking at a design and how the mattress physically looks (be in no doubt they can be made to look very appealing indeed) and concentrate your efforts on what is actually inside, you will be far less inclined to make a mistake.

Quilting should be considered as the last component of a mattress. Don’t be swayed by fancy patterns as you should know by now its what’s inside the mattress that count! Given that its the first thing you’re going to see when buying a new mattress you really do need to understand what constitutes a good mattress cover.

What is mattress cover quilting?

Quilted mattress covers are those that have been stitched to give a padded design to the top cover of a mattress. This applies to the outer surface of the fabric. Fabrics obtained by the manufacturer from various sources can come in either pre-quilted or plain. Many manufacturers like to buy in their fabrics ‘plain’ which gives them the opportunity to produce short runs of various designs. The quilting machines they use can be altered at a flick of a switch to produce completely different designs within minutes.

Mattress quilting gives the mattress cover a nicer finish both to look at and to feel. However, it also acts as a deterrent from asking what’s actually inside the mattress. Which if you’ve read other parts of our site, you will know is essential to find out before buying a new mattress whether online or in a shop.

There are just three methods of mattress quilting

1. Deep quilted
2. Light quilted or micro quilted
3. Tack and jump

Deep quilted

This process involves making quite a deep surface layer by stitching the fabric to polyester sheeting and other wadding to create a surface that looks deep and sumptuous.  This is the process that will more often than not be used on a mattress to be ‘perceived’ by you as mid-range.  This will be laid on to further elements of upholstery (usually polyester) to give a further element of substance.

Light quilted or micro quilted

This process is used for budget or economy models.  The outer fabric is quilted to a minimal layer of polyester or at the very worst a recycled material ‘Polypad’.  To add an element of comfort there may be a minimal layer of polyester between this ‘top’ and the springs, but the actual weight of polyester used will be in the region of 600gsm or 800gsm. You can read more on GSM in mattresses here.

The actual quilting pattern on these models is the giveaway to the value (as it will usually be basic diamond-shaped or circular-shape) using the least amount of thread to speed up the quilting process.

Tack and jump

This is another process to add visual value to a not so good product.  Whereas in Deep Quilting you can follow the pattern continuously, this method gives separation to the design.  The machine will stitch a section (tack) and raise (jump) to start another section.  Descriptions that describe a mattress with ‘concealed tufting’ will also be utilising this method.

Like Deep Quilting, this is a technique to give you the impression of a well-made mattress.  When viewed in the store it is more likely you are going to be basing your selection on how a mattress looks rather than how it is going to perform. Incidentally, certain ‘branded mattresses’  shows a mattress that utilises this method.  We have seen that when the layers are peeled back the whole top section is in one piece held together by the tacks.  The ‘benefit‘ of this type of finish is that there are literally hundreds and hundreds of design combinations which is why it is a popular method of construction by nearly all major mattress manufacturers.  It enables them to be able to sell ‘exclusive’ models to a variety of retailers.  The difference is only in the fabric and the design of the tack and jump.  The insides will, usually, be the same!

Don’t be fooled by rows of deep quilted mattresses. It’s whats inside them that really counts and what retailers don’t want you to know!