Have understood that tying a quilt was the simpler way to fasten the quilt together without all that stitchin'. Often buttons are used or even tacking stitches on some quilts. This works as a design element and a fancy tieing method...Remember though buttons should never be used on quilts for small infants for safety reasons. Tieing also gives it a folksy look and is much more casual. This can be done by hand or machine.