My first attempt at "quilting" was a set of whole cloth/tied quilts for the grandchildren. I used novelty prints and tied with 3/ or 4/ply yarn. Those quilts are still hanging around and being used by the younger ones. They've stood through many washings and have been dragged around a lot. The last quilts I've tied were tied with embroidery floss or perle cotton. I used a double surgeon's knot and they are there to stay. I love the feel of a tied quilt.