Question about tying a quilt
 

I have changed my mind and want to tie the squares to my backing, how do I do the knotting for that so it won't come out? What type of thread should I use, embroidery thread?
Thanks much,
Kim from Ohio

I have always used size 10 crochet thread, doubled. I use a large eye needle used with yarn with a sharp point. I put it down one side and up about 1/4 inch away from the down side. Then I go thru the same holes a second time (down and then up). I do a square knot. I say to myself as I tie the knot~ right over left.....left over right ~ I have washed my first one done this way every week for several years and the knots have not come undone. Hope this helps.

a good square knot- some people tie a double square knot (tie one- then tie a second one)
some people use perle cotton, some use embroidery floss (all 6 strands) some use yarn- it's your choice- just make sure it's strong- and make sure you are using a batting that is ok for tied quilts- a batting that needs to be quilted every 2"-4" is not a good choice- batt's that allow up to 10" between quilting lines often say on the package 'good for tied quilts'

I've read where some people sew with their machine the perle cotton or yarn on to the quilt in a short stitch instead of sewing through the quilt with a needle and then tie it. Sounds easier to me. But, I've never done anything like that before. Just something I thought sounded like a faster, easier method.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK20gl3Amvo
how to tie a quilt tutorial

Thanks everyone, I just got to my question and I should have read this first because I started and got one section done on the quilting table, but I only used 2 strands of floss. :eek: But I am not using any batting, just the top and bottom together. Being that it is a king size, what to take on as a first time quilt, I didn't want to have it bulky when packing it for an event.

Pictures please?

I will when I take when finished. I had a guy come over and he seen the quilt and asked me if I was selling it. I looked at him and told him that it was my first quilt and it is all hand done. He was in total shock. Then last night I had someone ask me if I can make her a quilt if she buys the fabric but I have no idea how much to charge for making a queen size quilt.
So, I guess i will be in the quilting business when I am done with this one. But, I have to do two twin size quilts for my grandsons first. That will be out of my mom's clothes then I might do a couple wall hangings for my sisters for Christmas gifts, as a surprise.

I've tied with both yarn and embroidery floss. My big queen I did with yarn that matched my backing...mainly because it was cheap and I was poor and in high school lol I've done several baby quilts with floss and with narrow ribbon with good results.

Don't be afraid to tie your knots tight :) My mom recently machine "tied" a baby quilt...but that just seems like extra work to me lol it was cute though :)

I found some yarn that has a mix of colors that match the top of the quilt. I watched the video and that gave me good tips for threading the needle also.

I always use pearl cotton when I tie a quilt.

What kind is that? I never heard of it, being all new to this kind of sewing. Thanks

Ok, I don't know what I did wrong, some of my knots are coming undone. Maybe I didn't leave them long enough, but I can't retie them. Now what to do? Redo them or just leave them? Getting frustrated also because my son keeps taking my quilt table down and it needs another board to keep it steady.

I use perle cotton, and do what is called a surgeons knot. When you do the first right over left, do two loops instead of one.....also if you are concerned out the knots coming undone you could put a small dot of fraycheck or frayblock on the knot, then for sure it will not come undone....

Its typically found in the knitting/crocheting section of the store.

I don't recommend leaving the loose ties, because they will fall out sooner or later. I would pull them out and put in new ties. I don't know how you are doing your knots, but granny knots will not hold. I work with different charity groups, and occasionally we get a quilt in where all I have to do is pull on the end of a tie, and it comes right out. Not good. Those quilts have to be retied.

Don't give up!

Dayle

French perle cotton - you can get it at Joanns
Listen to Daylesewblessed and retie it.

I do basically the same thing except that I used perle cotton. It worked well!

Dayle, I am now tying them three or four times and they seem to be staying now. I have 3/4 of them tied now. I might end up redoing them or gluing them with a dab of something
I was going by what I watched in the video.
Thanks everyone.

Won't be working on this for a couple of days. I have a really bad cold. Yucky. I just had some regular yarn here at the house, so I hope the new way of tying helps. Three forthes of the quilt is tied then I have to start the binding. At least it will be off of my table and I get my living room back.