I would love to have some of my quilts machine quilted but the expense is not possible. I've tried hand quilting but I really don't know how to do it and make it look decent. So I tie mine with 3 strand embroidery thread. I use the same colors as in the quilt top and I don't leave the ties very long. As someone on this board said, her husband didn't want any "worms" on his quilt.