How to Hand Tie a Quilt

Share on FacebookPin on PinterestTweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someonePrint this page

A Must-Know Technique for Every Quilter!

While we all love beautiful hand and machine quilting, there are times when tying a quilt is the perfect choice. This process of securing the quilt layers adds a touch of vintage charm that makes a quilt even more endearing.

You might want to tie a quilt when you’re using extra-thick batting, thin or no batting, or whenever a quilt can’t be quilted the traditional way. It also makes for a quick and easy finish.

How to Hand Tie a Quilt

Yarn is often used for the ties, but any thick sturdy thread, such as several strands of embroidery floss, will work nicely. Cut the knotted yarn short or long.

Curved tapestry needles have large eyes for yarn and thick thread. Plus, the curved shape eases the process of sewing through several layers. Get them here.

Tying also can be used to affix buttons or charms to a quilt, adding another layer of interest.

How to Hand Tie a Quilt

A grid pattern works nicely, with the ties spaced according to what is specified by the batting. Just keep in mind that a quilt with closely spaced ties will wash and wear better than a quilt with the ties far apart.

Angela Mitchell provides a good overview of the tying process in the following article.

Click here for the “Quilting DIY: How To Hand Tie a Quilt” article.

An excellent tutorial from New Quilters goes into further detail and provides many helpful suggestions.

Click here for the “How to Tie a Quilt” tutorial.

How to Hand Tie a Quilt

Notice the cute tied Xs in Suzy’s quilt.

Suzy from Suzy Quilts combines hand-tying with machine quilting for a more modern approach. That’s also a good idea when you want a quilt to stand up to a lot of washings (like a baby quilt).

Learn about Suzy’s method in the following article.

Click here for the “How to Tie a Quilt…with a Modern Twist!” article.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Quilting Digest has featured many patterns from vendors participating in the Craftsy Marketplace, most of which have been deleted by Craftsy. It's going to take awhile for us to hunt down new sources for those patterns. In the meantime there are many links to patterns on our site that no longer work. We apologize if this article contains one or more of those links and appreciate your patience while we straighten things out. Thank you!




PLEASE NOTE: Quilting Digest does not sell or otherwise provide patterns directly. We showcase patterns and projects from various vendors, bloggers and other sources. Please make a note of where you access a pattern (the link in the yellow box toward the end of each Quilting Digest article). That way you can contact Support for that source if you have downloading problems or other issues. Thank you!

 

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *