I do the "up, down--up down" method you spoke of in your first post. I also do the triple tie like you mentioned. In the past I have used embroidery thread to tie my quilts but I have had them come loose :-( ....not sure why they came loose but it's a pain in the neck to have to tie a quilt twice. My grandmother tied her quilts with yarn and they are still holding strong with repeated washings over the past 30 yrs. I think I will try crochet thread, next time, like some of the other posters mentioned.