If you decide to tie, remember you need to use a square knot. If you are not sure what a square knot is, ask a boy scout. I have tied & quilted at different times. If you use the square knot, you won't have to worry about it coming apart. One quilt on my boy's bed lasted several years. I don't think quilting or tying will make the quilt warmer. I do know that the more you quilt the heavier & stiffer the quilt will become.