ADJECTIVE

Designating or characterised by a style of upholstery or embroidery in which the material is drawn in at intervals to present a quilted appearance.

Origin

Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Young Englishwoman. From French capitonné, use as adjective of past participle of capitonner to upholster, especially in a style which presents a quilted appearance, to pad from capiton silk or linen flock, sleave silk, particular style of upholstery from Italian † capitone irregularity in a silk thread, probably from classical Latin capit-, caput head + Italian -one.

Memories

My Mothers friend made and gifted these cushions to her when I was a child. I was always fascinated by the unique way that the fabric folded and overlapped in a pattern, creating shadows, depth and three-dimension. Recently I watched a tutorial on how to achieve this technique, and I was finally able to put a name to it, capitonné.

Featured below are some of my handmade cushions, and examples that inspire me to use this traditional craft in a modern interior.