Quilt Tying Question
 

My niece has just finished her first ever quilt. It is a basic 4 patch/solid block baby sized quilt. She is not quite ready for machine quilting yet so she is going to finish off by birthing the quilt and tying it at different spots with yarn. The quilt is 3 layers of flannel. My question is, what is the best needle for her to use to be able to go through the 3 layers of flannel with the yarn to tie it on the top. Thank you!!

I use a curved needle, I think those work best. I bought a multi-pack and tested each needle on my fabrics, the one I liked best was the thinnest one in the pack - it had the sharpest point.

I tie using embroidery floss and the small curved needle. I also tie a lot closer than most, about every 4", then I offset the ruler and do another 4", so it's about every 2", I really prefer the look better than when you see a quilt tied every 8-10 inches.

I tie with 2 crochet threads....easier to pull through sandwich.

I use crochet thread also. Much easier to work with.

I would use DMC pearl cotton embroidery thread rather than yarn.

I use either crochet thread or embroidery thread -- double for both unless the crochet thread is thick. Going through 3 layers of fabric rather than 2 layers plus batting will be a little more difficult. I use a sharp needle with a big enough eye to handle the thread. Yarn will require a bigger needle unless you are using baby yarn.

It is very important to have a good knot. There are different kinds of knots that will hold -- just don't have her do a granny knot. I teach square knots using a shoe and laces. A surgeon's knot is good, and I also have a thread saving knot that is my favorite.

With flannel instead of batting, she won't have to put the knots as close together.

Sounds like I will have her use DMC Pearl Cotton, there are many colors to choose from and it will add a nice effect to the colors that she has in the quilt. Should we use 1 strand or 2 of the pearl cotton?

We tie many quilts for charity. We use a curved needle, it is easier to get through all the layers. We also use embroidery thread. Use all the strands together, as previously suggested make sure to use a good knot.

Our church does charity quilts and we tie them. Someone eons ago took flat bed sheets and cut holes the distance apart that it needs to be making tying a no brainer (it is roughly 4.5" apart). We all like different needles -- I prefer the curved needle but some of the folks like the straight, large hole needles. We use 2 thickness of pearl cotton or crochet cotton.