How to Tie a Quilt

Quilting is a truly unique and individual form of self-expression, and quilts have been part of human civilization for hundreds of thousands of years. There are many different ways to create a quilt at your skill and experience level. You can utilize colors, fabrics, and patterns to develop and craft something that is truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind. 

Follow These Steps on How to Tie a Quilt 

Another way to add your personal touch to the next quilt is through its ties. Quilt ties are an opportunity to give a unique finishing style to your quilt and to ensure that it stays together properly for many years to come. 

Love Sew is here to help you with the quilting basics and a whole lot more. Whatever stage of the sewing, quilting, and crafting process you may be at, we have the tools and resources that can help you to accomplish your artistic goals and create a final piece you can be proud of. Here’s a look at the steps you’ll take when tying your quilt. 

What Is a Quilt Tie?

As the name would indicate, quilt ties are small knots that can be used to secure your quilt layers in place. They can be made of any material that you have on hand and are an excellent option for blending textiles and adding color to your favorite project. Here are some of the other benefits of tying off your quilt. 

It’s Inexpensive 

As any crafter might know, collecting up the tools and materials for the next few projects can become costly, especially if you’re working on many at one time. Tying your quilt is an excellent way to reduce the costs for your next quilt while still achieving a beautiful final product. 

It Keeps the Layers Secure

A quilt has three layers, the front, back, and batting, which is the soft material between the two layers that makes the quilt so warm and cozy. Tying your quilt is an excellent method for keeping all of the layers in place. This will help to extend the life of the quilt through use and washing, so you can enjoy it for a long time to come. 

Quilt Ties Add Texture 

One of the most unique and lovely things about quilts is that they’re soft and tactile. You can add another element of texture to your quilt with ties at even or uneven intervals to fit your style and pattern. 

They’re Pretty 

You can use any material you want for your quilt ties—and in any color! They can provide a pop of contrast or contribute to your unique and beautiful pattern. Experiment with different palettes to get a look you really love. 

How to Tie a Quilt 

The good news is that tying a quilt is a very forgiving process, so don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect every time. Here’s what you’ll want to know about tying your next quilt. 

Materials You Need to Tie a Quilt

Tying a quilt is one of the last steps you’re going to take during your quilting process. Here are the materials you’ll want to have on hand when creating a soft, cozy quilt the whole family is sure to love. 

Your Quilt

You’ll want to make sure your quilt is completed and bound before you begin the tying process. To make a quilt, you’ll need a top and bottom layer and batting. There are many ways to hand-stitch your quilt, which can add a personal and unique design, but sewing on a machine is faster and more uniform. 

It can be helpful to know how to utilize both skills, however, and you’ll be hand sewing on top of your finished quilt for the final tying process. 

Scissors

Scissors are a key tool in any quilter’s kit. There are many different tools for cutting your fabric and yarn, but fabric scissors will ensure you have fewer frayed edges and that your quilt always looks as polished and professional as possible. 

Thread

The type of thread you pick will contribute to the overall final design, so consider the material, color, and texture carefully when deciding on your quilt tie look. Embroidery thread and cotton thread are some of the most common and versatile options to pick from. 

Needle

There are many different types of needles involved in completing your next crafting or sewing project, so check that you have the right one on hand before you begin. Since quilting tie thread can be much thicker than other types of thread, it’s key to find a needle large enough for your thread. 

Marker and Ruler

Some folks may feel comfortable eyeballing their tie spots, but if you want to achieve a totally uniform look, then it’s important to measure out and mark the spots where you’re going to be adding your ties. 

Steps for Tying a Quilt

Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, you can begin the quilt tying process. Remember, quilt tying can be as straightforward or complex as you want it to be. Go for a lovely, uniform design, or try pushing your skills to the next level with a more complicated, intricate pattern. Here are the steps you’ll want to take to tie your quilt. 

1. Complete Your Quilt

In order to tie your quilt, you need something to tie. Complete your quilt with a front and back layer and plenty of batting for a cozy and comfortable final project. 

You may want to consider your tying options even before you begin building your quilt, so you know you have the best materials on hand and so that you can achieve a final look you love, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick the color and style of your ties before you take the first stitch. 

2. Make a Plan

Use your ruler and marker to decide where you’re going to put your ties. If you’re using tying specifically to keep your batting in place, then ties should be spaced out between 6-8-inches apart. You can go a little larger or smaller, depending on your design, but it’s a good idea to plan in advance and mark exactly where you’ll be sewing. 

3. Thread the Needle

It’s important to find a needle large enough for your thread. The smaller the needle, the better it will be for your final project, but you’ll have to thread the tie several times, so make sure it’s a good fit. 

4. Make Your Stitch

You have two main options when it comes to tying your quilt. You can make each stitch individually, or you can use one long thread and make a chain stitch. 

If you are threading each individually, pull the needle through the spot you have marked, making sure it goes through all three layers. Allow a few inches of tail to remain on both sides and cut. 

5. Tie Your Knot

Double knot your threads and tie them tightly, taking care not to pull too hard, as it can pucker the fabric and be challenging to fix. Once your knot is tied, cut the remaining thread down to a uniform size, taking care not to trim below ½-inch on all sides. 

6. Complete Your Ties

Repeat the process until all ties are in place and secure. You can then use a fray spray to keep the ties from unraveling, but that is entirely optional. 

7. Enjoy Your Quilt

With the added ties, your quilt will remain in good, reliable shape for longer. Gift to friends or enjoy on cozy nights. 

Conclusion 

Every quilt is going to be different, depending on your artistic vision, the patterns you use, and the colors and materials you pick. Another way to give your next quilt a totally unique and lovely design is to add ties. Not only will ties help your quilt to stand out, but they are an essential element in keeping your quilt well-maintained and protecting during washes and use. 

Ties are an incredibly easy addition to the quilting process that can have a beneficial impact for years to come. All you need is your favorite thread, a needle to fit, scissors, ruler, and marker. Determine where you want to put your ties, pull through, and knot. 

Love Sew is here to help you with your next quilting project and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing and quilting for years, we want to make it easy to get the tools and resources you need to take your project to the next level. Explore our catalog of parts and growing library of guides on everything from picking the right sewing machine to tying your next quilt—and get started on a great new project today. 

 

Sources:

Learn How the Cozy Craft of Quilting Endured the Civil War and Thrives Today | My Modern Met 

Textiles | Smithsonian National Museum of American History 

How to Clean and Care for Handmade Quilts | The Spruce