Q & A – Why Tie a Quilt?

Frequently when we think of quilts and quiltmaking, a quilt that is held together with hand or machine quilting comes to mind.  However, some quilters tie their quilts.  This is the method my grandmother used when she made 4-patch quilts for her grandchildren.

What is meant by tying a quilt? 

Tying, or tufting as some quilters refer to it, is an effective way to hold the layers of a quilt together.  You thread a long needle with double strand of thread or crochet cotton.  Push the needle through the three layers (top, batting, and backing), leaving abut 2 inches of thread on the tip.  Then push the needle back up to the top, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the starting place.  Next you secure the thread by tying it in a double knot and cut the ends the desired length.

Why tie one instead of stitching with a quilting design?

Tying doesn’t take so much time as quilting with stitches.  It’s also a good method to use when you have an especially thick batting.  

I also used this method on many of the quilts I made.  Because tying didn’t take so much time as quilting, this enabled me to keep the price more affordable for my customers.