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-   -   hand tying a quilt?? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/hand-tying-quilt-t43113.html)

shaverg 04-18-2010 12:54 PM

I have tied quilts. I don't like them as much as my hand quilted, but there is definitely a place for tying. I have a King size trip around the world, I made in the 80's. I never have been really in love with the quilt, it is made from old calicos. I plan on tying it with friends this summer.

lfw045 04-18-2010 01:16 PM

Tied quilts last just as long as hand quilted ones. They wash up just as nicely and if tied correctly and tight, as they should be, baby quilts are fine with being tied also.

BKrenning 04-18-2010 02:22 PM

I have tied several baby quilts and 1 throw size. I prefer to use perle cotton crochet thread to tie them. All are for drag around the house/yard quilts. I remember my oldest son spending hours trying to grab the ties on an old, old baby quilt before he could crawl so I think it gives an added brain boost to baby quilts & the ties have held up as well as, if not better than some of the cheaper machine quilting threads. I know that old baby quilt my son laid on was at least 20 years old and has seen lots more babies since.

Holice 04-18-2010 02:41 PM

I have tied some. However, I tied to the back rather than the front. I ran the thread through seam allowances where they crossed and in one case ran the thread to appear to be a x stitch in the crossing seam allowance. I liked this better than the ties on the top. However, ties on the top do have a certain appeal.

Cathy M 04-18-2010 02:44 PM

I tie the majority of my quilts. They are primarily for my kids and grandkids. They are sturdy and hold great. If I'm making a fancy one, then they are quilted.

Oklahoma Suzie 04-18-2010 03:21 PM


Originally Posted by humbird
Because of Arthur-itis taking over the use of hands and wrists, I only tie now days. (always hand quilted) I use embrodery floss, and tie rather closely. Probably only 1 1/2 inch apart on last quilt. Double tie the knots with a sq. knot. I have had no problem with them. I tied some throw around quilts many years ago, using yarn......which I dislike....and the darn things are still going strong, after 4 kids and MANY washings! I have matched the embrodery floss to the fabric, and it is difficult to even see the ties. I rather like the look. Try it, you may like it!

I agree, do try it. I tie all of mine because of Arthur comming to visit me too. They do not come apart if tied right.

Glenn 04-18-2010 05:15 PM

I only tie the crazy quilts and quilt the rest. Glenn

MegsAnn 04-18-2010 09:23 PM

Tying is a great option. Especially if you're short on patience and time. I tied my last quilt and it held up just fine. It's a different look than quilting, less formal, which can be good if it's intentional.

mar32428 04-19-2010 03:24 AM

I'm with you humbird. The first quilt I made was tied with yarn. I didn't know how to quilt. It was ugly, ugly but the blasted thing keeps hanging around. It has been used by four sons, taken on picnics, to the beach, on camping trips and washed a gazillion times. I did notice last time after washing there were some areas that were getting pretty thin. I will miss it. It has become an old friend.

Shelbie 04-19-2010 04:10 AM

If you are tying your quilt, just don't use yarn. It does ball up and gradually seems to loosen so that the batting shifts when washing and some of the ties may even pull out or tear your fabric. Some acyrlic yarms do not like the dryer and may melt a little or shrivel. You should also consider your time factor. I think it would be faster to just machine quilt it (especially stitch in the ditch) than to tie it. Finally it just comes down once again to personal preference and the end use of your quilt. I think machine quilting will stand up better than hand tying after years of use.


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