I've not tied a quilt b4 and am attempting to determine spacing/frequency, etc. Also.......there seems to be an ongoing yes/no thing about washing the fabric before assembling it all. This 'guy' would appreciate any and all suggestions from those of you that are more seasoned than I when it comes to this subject. Appreciate you.....Bear (Norm)

Hi Norm, and welcome to the Quilter's Board. I would look at the batting package and see how far apart it says to quilt and make your stitches that far apart. Take a long stitch, then a short one, do a running stitch. Then you cut them when you get all done and tie the ends and trim if you wish. I hope this make sense, Linda

Each batting is different and you should read the package to see how far apart each tie should be. :)

I've tied hundreds---pm me if you get stuck!

If I buy quality fabric I don’t wash it, however if it’s red I do. I made a log cabin quilt in black and white, red was my middle square, it bled.

I can't help with tying a quilt. Ive never done that.

Those of us past 65 probably have some memories of tacking a quilt. All of the family would gather around and tye about every 3 to 4 inches apart. My quilting group does the same thing when we do our charity quilt. It must be close enough together to hold it secure. I prefer mine about every 3 inches apart. I have one made and tacked over 30 years ago and its still in my car. It has a fun life as we use it a lot. Best of luck to you. Marvel

I know that it depends on the batting, but regardless of the batting, I tie mine every 4", then I offset it in half and tie again every 4", so it's actually about every 2" that are tied. I use embroidery floss when I tie.

When I helped at a community service event, I started making individual ties. Small stitch, pull through, tie and cut. Start over. One of the ladies showed me what has been described in the other answers: To start with a long string and take the first small stitch then make another small stitch about hand-width apart - keep going until the thread is used up. Then she told me to cut the threads halfway between the stitches. Now I used those ends and made a square knot or a surgeon's knot.

A friend of mine ties hers double - she takes one small stitch and takes another small stitch in the same spot, then square-knots the thread.

I never really found a real liking for it.

Since the quilts I've tied have mostly been for friend's daughters or granddaughters, I've used narrow satin ribbon, cut just longer than needed to double knot and then make a small bow. I know they won't stay tied in the bow, but retying the bows is one of those 'I'm bored, what can I do' activities that can entertain a youngster on a road trip.

The thing I found most helpful was to use a REALLY big needle and then the needle nosed pliers for pulling it through the really tough spots.

One quide I have used is a note card. I do the shortstitch/long stitch mentioned by others using my card as a guide. The cardboard from a charm pack works well, too. Sometimes I use the blocks themselves as a guide, tieing in the center of a block or at each corner.

Best tip after tying---a drop of Fray check on each knot. no more missing ties!

Welcome Norm!

Great, great, great info and I can't thank you all enough. I'll finish it off this weekend. Always a great event with me. Warm Quilter hugz to you all.

Ihave only tied one a quilt in a day done in class. All my fabric had been washed but the floss bled onto my quilt. .

Gail

Have to be careful with floss--that is why I use Pretty Punch yarn or crochet thread!

I use perle cotton crochet thread now but used cheap acrylic yarn on the first few I tied. The acrylic is slippery, though and some claim it can untie itself.

I use a tapestry or soft sculpture doll needle--something with the biggest eye I can find and still be sharp. I sometimes have to iron the thread to fit it through the needle.

I make a design with the ties so mine vary from 2 to 6 inches apart. Center of block, corners, certain patches within the block, only in the sashing, whatever works for me. I have also tied part and quilted part. I use the double granny knot to tie my threads. I have tried to do the long thread, stitch, jump to the next spot, stitch, etc. but pulling those long lengths of thread through is tiring. Sometimes I can get hubby or my daughter to help and they clip with I stitch so the long thread gets snipped as I sew. That works really well.

I have tied all my quilts. I am not experienced at other then block quilts right now, I tie each quilt 4 inches or every other square in the corner.
I have been using embroidery thread as it comes in many colors and I tie a double knot

the needles called "yarn darners" work very well.

I use curved needles when I tie a quilt with chrochet cotton. and I only use warm and natural batting. however I have not tied a quilt in several years since I learned to quilt on my machine.