My grandmother used to make the tops then have grandpa tie them, she was a stickler for having them tied approximately ever 1" that way they lasted a very long time through lots of use and love. I have tied a few very hard on my hands to much arthritis we all have a method that can work best for us. In my research tied quilts are referred to as tufted and the ties may be on the back so as not to distract from the front design as in crazy quilts which were primarily tufted, but remember to select good thread for tufting please no yarn it looks ugly after washing I prefer crochet thread 8 - 12 weight. works great!