Newbie question

by Sarah
(Tennessee)

Alright, so I started to teach myself sewing about 6 months ago for the sole purpose of learning to quilt. I am currently in the middle of my first (yay) quilt, just a simple 9 patch, but I am still excited.

Anyway, I've been looking up free-motion quilting and this is where I am utterly confused. I know I am nowhere near this level yet, but I am noticing that some quilting designs have ... these "flat" areas and other areas have "raised" or "poofy" areas, for lack of better terminology.

Such as in a feather or clamshell design, I have noticed they'll get the area around it fairly pressed down while the feather area itself looks pretty "poofy".

Honestly, I'm amazed. And confused. I've done search after search after search as to how this is achieved and I'm coming up pretty short. Can someone tell me how different thicknesses are achieved when quilting a design? I really don't know if I'm explaining what I mean right and I'm sure there is correct terminology for it, but I'm still new to this. I was just mind blown with some of the designs people get in their quilts and what I aim to be after lots (LOTS lol) of practice. Thanks to everyone in advance!!!

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