Quilting Tips: Finishing the Quilt: Tying

Posted by The Tech Editors on Oct 14th 2009

At some point in the quilt-making process you will decide how to finish off your quilt: Hand quilting, machine quilting or tying are 3 possibilities. Regardless of the method, you will need to create the quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting, and backing) and thoroughly baste to hold the layers together.

When tying your quilt, the knots can go either on the top or back of the quilt, decide based on aesthetics or comfort. If you want the ties on top, start by pushing the needle in from the top. If you want the ties on the back, start by pushing the needle through from the back.

Two common threads used to tie quilts are DMC perle cotton or crochet cotton. Thread a large-eyed needle with the strand you prefer.

The tying process follows.

  • Insert the needle through all 3 layers and pull it out the other side, leaving a tail about 2’’ long at the beginning of the strand, long enough to tie.
  • Push the needle back through all 3 layers, approximately 1/8’’ to 1/4’’ from the start. Pull the thread.
  • Follow the steps shown in the photos to tie the knot.

    • The preceding steps were summarized from the Super Simple Quilts series by Alex Anderson and Liz Aneloski.

    Happy Quilting,

    The Tech Editors

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