Quiltingboard Forums - Tying a Quilt

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What size or type of yarn/thread do you use to tie a quilt? Cotton, polyester, wool or a blend?

I've tried so many different things. Wool shrinks down into a little ball that never comes loose. Embroidery thread will sometimes slip out. Pearl cotton is slick and will eventually slip out of the knot. Cotton sport weight frays over time but doesn't come loose. Acrylic knitting yarn stays put. Baby weight acrylic stays put. Does this help?

It depends on the look you are going for and on the recipient. Some people like embroidery floss or crochet cotton or yarn etc. Make sure whatever you decide on is colourfast. If the recipient is a small child keep the string/thread ends short so they don't cause a choking hazard (if they come off) or a circulation problem if wound around a tiny finger or toe. Some people like to use the zig zag tacking feature on the sewing machine.
Recently someone posted on QB a tied prayer quilt where the ties are left long and a person ties a knot when they visit and say a prayer. Some people leave them longer for Alzheimer (sp) lap quilts so they have something to keep their hands busy. Good luck on your project!

I use embroidery thread and double knot it.....I don't hsve a problem with it comming loose.

My quilting club uses cotton croquet thread with a square knot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimS (Post 4989834)

What size or type of yarn/thread do you use to tie a quilt? Cotton, polyester, wool or a blend?

I hate yarn. I'm using crochet cotton for the baby quilt I'm almost done with. I also use embroidery floss.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redmadder (Post 4989855)

If you use a square knot and double it, and leave about an inch tag, IT WILL NOT SLIP LOOSE. EVER!

I bar tack. this has always served me well.

granni annie i am with yuo

Quote:

Originally Posted by redmadder (Post 4989855)

Thank you for this! I have been wondering what to use and your info is so helpful.

I use yarn that I knit mittens with, works well and stays tied.

I use perle cotton. Washes very well and looks nice.

I'd like to use crochet cotton, and after I've tied the knot, slip it into the quilt so there are no tails. I'll be exhibiting the quilt, and although I would like the looks of no tails, I wonder what the judges would think.

We make a LOT of tied quilts for nursing homes, church shut-ins, etc. and we always use embroidery floss--all six strands, and double knotted.

I've used embroidery floss and sport weight baby yarn to tie quilts.

I like to use narrow satin ribbon, tie in a square knot and then in a small bow, for little girl's quilts. For older folks I've used a wider varigated ribbon that is marketed for crocheting and only tie in the square knot, leaving about 1-1/2" tails.

I'm making a quilt for a friend just diagnosed with breast cancer. She teaches music at a private Catholic school so sees every child for the 8 -9 years they are there. I don't work there and am not Catholic, but I know what a huge part of her life this is . sooooo I'm making a photo quilt with photo blocks of her family around a panel that looks like stained glass. I'm going to machine quilt around the panel and around each photo block - probably around each border too. THEN I'm going to put long ties that pull to the back of the quilt. I'm going to give it to the PE teacher - also a friend of mine - because she also sees every child. I'm going to have her get the children to tie knots and sign a notebook that they have done so. The staff of the school will also tie and sign. I'm hoping when I give it to her she can continue to have friends/family/visitors sign her book and tie a knot. (This would not fly in a public school - I teach in one - but I think will be a good thing for these children - and for my friend.)

So ... anything to add? Crochet thread sounds like my best bet. I'll tie the square knots to be sure they stay, but the visitors will keep adding knots. Should I leave them about ...3"? More? The backing has a stained glass look with pinks and greens so the thread will be those colors. I have never tied a quilt before ... or put photos on fabric ... so ... hoping for the best!