mjkgquilt

The floss comes in shanks and consists of 6 strands. I use all 6 strands.

Jordan

I have used DMC floss in a quilt and it has lasted for years. My grandmother used yarn to tie her quilts and I still have one that she did and it has lasted over 100 years. Sorry about your sewing machine-I would be lost without my machine. Hope you get it back soon

feline fanatic

I prefer embroidery floss when tying. I only use 3 strands. Sometimes it is fun to mix two colors, like two strands of one color and one of another. I did a knot every 3" when I use to tie. For your quilt every intersection would work well.

Railroadersbrat

I have been somewhat lost without it, but the mini-machine I picked up on Amazon has been an absolute workhorse, I picked it up when I realized I was into a major issue with my main machine and my backup machine seized up on me completely. I'm glad I picked up the mini-machine, I'd be going stir crazy not being able to sew if I hadn't!

illinois

I don't know how big your patches are but keep in mind the recommended distance between quilting when deciding where to put your ties. Personally I am not a fan of using yarn as I think it doesn't stay nice over time. I prefer to use perle cotton or crochet thread. As you know, there are several weights of crochet thread so lots of options there on how many strands to use.
I recently watched a Donna Jordan tutorial that she demonstrated tying a quilt. After making the knot, she put a drop of FrayCheck on top of it to reduce the chances of it coming undone. That was a new one for me and something to consider.

Mkotch

If you plan to have pets on the bed, I assume they'll sleep on top of the quilt. Please be aware that this puts some stress on the ties if you're tying it. It puts stress on the fabric, too, but that should be OK if it's cotton (or mostly cotton). I used embroidery floss to tie a quilt for my son, and after some years of sitting on it and having cats sleep with him, the floss yanked right out of the back of the quilt, creating huge holes. I had to deconstruct the whole quilt and throw away the batting and the back before I could restore the quilt to its former "glory." Even then, I had to repair holes in the top. I highly recommend machine quilting!!
Also, if you use cotton batting between a cotton top and cotton back, you shouldn't have any bearding.
I really like your quilt top and it is worth spending a little more time on so that it lasts and you can enjoy it for many years to come.

junegerbracht

I too definitely recommend that you watch Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics video.

greaterexp

I think these are great suggestions. I tend to like the look of the crochet or pearl cotton much better than the yarn. The cotton thread has much less bulk, but is still strong.

When I give a quilt, I send care instructions which include a suggestion that, if folks want to keep the quilt for very long, they should keep their pets off of them or protect the quilt with something. Knowing how much work, time, and thought go into each quilt, it's sad to see them quickly destroyed.

ctrysass2012

If you treat the tying as "basting" until you are able to machine quilt, I would tie the corners of the 9-patch blocks. If needed you could also tie the center square of the 9-patch.

Tothill

Many really old quilts were tied with wool yarn, over the years the yard would become like a button as it felted with washing and use.

I used embroidery floss (DMC brand) to tie the first quilt I ever made, 30+ years ago. I have had to redo some of the ties over the years, but it has held up. I just used cheap lofty poly batting. I did not know any better at the time. I had to whip stitch it together, but it too has help up to use.

I do not worry about a quilt wearing out. I make quilts to be used and enjoyed, not saved as an heirloom. I do not make bed quilts, I make picnic quilts, lap quilts, cuddle quilts, baby quilts, wheelchair quilts etc. Quilts that will see use, wear and tear. Oh, I also make quilts for pets. It is a great way to use up practice quilts.