Tied quilts are quick and easy. These have been popular for several centuries. This method is also known as tufting.
Advantages of Tied Quilts
There are many advantages to tufting. Quick and easy tied quilts require much less time than hand and machine quilting. It is a perfect project for beginners.
While a tied quilt is thick and puffy, quilting tends to flatten the batting. When tying, you can also use multiple layers of batting for a very fluffy quilt.
These are practical for everyday use. They’re warm, and withstand lots of wear and tear.
Tied quilts are stylish, particularly if the ends of the threads are tied into bows. For a dressy look, combine ties with embroidery stitching or buttons.
This technique is versatile enough for all kinds of projects from wall hangings and kids’ quilts to table coverings.
Choosing Batting for Tied Quilts
Bonded batting works very well. This is less likely to shift around while you do the tying. In some cases, blends containing cotton and other fibers are used. High loft batting is especially suitable. This makes a plump tied quilt.
Choosing Needle and Thread for Tied Quilts
Ordinary sewing thread isn’t strong enough. Other kinds of threads and yarns are suitable. These include knitting and crochet yarns, such as sport-weight, worsted weight, and perle cotton. Embroidery floss is a great choice as well. In addition, narrow ribbons will work so long as they fit into the needle.
If you want inconspicuous ties, select a thread that blends and matches the fabric.
Another option is to make showy quilt tufts using several contrasting colors. This provides a decorative accent. For this approach, insert multiple threads into the needle each time.
Use a sharp needle with a large eye. Some people prefer a darning or chenille needle.
Tying the Quilt
- Put the quilt layers together as you normally would. Determine where the ties should go. They’re usually spaced four to six inches apart over the whole quilt. The exact spacing depends upon the recommendation given on the batting label. These can also be at selected points in each of the quilt blocks.
- Cut a 10" to 12" length of thread or yarn. Thread the needle. Don’t make a knot on the end.
- Insert the needle through the top of the quilt, and make a stitch about a quarter-inch long through all layers of the quilt. Come back up through the top. Leave a three-inch tail on the end when you pull the needle through the top.
- Next, do a single back stitch over your original stitch. This holds the stitches tightly in place. Cut the surplus thread, leaving a three inch tail on the other end.
- Tie the two tails together, using a square knot. Avoid pulling so tightly that the quilt puckers. Clip the ends of the threads to the desired length. These should be no shorter than one-half inch. Tying the ends into a bow is another approach. For fat tufts, leave them untrimmed.
Alternatives for Tied Quilts
In some cases, the knotting is done on the back of the quilt. Only the stitches will show on the front. To conceal the ties on the front, you can also sew buttons over them. For this option, covered buttons would be perfect.
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