| Often quilters are reluctant to tie a quilt | | | | Hand or machine quilting this type of quilt |
| because it seems like too much of a shortcut, | | | | would significantly reduce the puffiness, and |
| but they are anxious to finish the quilt. | | | | completely change the look of your quilt. |
| | | | |
| While hand quilters love the look of a | | | | Many tied quilts are simply tied in the |
| skillfully hand quilted quilt, and machine | | | | corners between the blocks, leaving the |
| quilters appreciate the beauty and complexity | | | | blocks as open space. Other quilts are tied |
| of fine machine quilting, tying a quilt can | | | | in the center of each block with either yarn |
| be equally rewarding. And those ties don't | | | | or perle cotton. |
| need to be simple yarn knots with tails tied | | | | |
| every 6 inches. | | | | But, tying a quilt doesn't need to be boring! |
| | | | |
| For example, take a look at some of the | | | | The best ties are washable, won't unravel, |
| particularly ornate Crazy Quilts from more | | | | will stay tied, and are strong enough to hold |
| than 100 years ago. These gorgeous Crezy | | | | together when they are tied. Even with those |
| Quilts were tied, but it isn't obvious how | | | | considerations, why not add a little flair? |
| they were tied, since you can't see the ties | | | | Using embroidery floss or cording might be a |
| on the front; maintaining the focus on the | | | | possibility. And instead of using yarn or |
| fine embroidery stitches surrounding the | | | | perle cotton, try a ribbon. |
| Crazy Quilt patches. | | | | |
| | | | And what about adding something interesting |
| On the back side of these quilts there are | | | | in the tie? Sew a cute shaped button - say a |
| simple double thread tacks holding the quilt | | | | train or fire truck - onto your quilt, and |
| together. To achieve this, the patchwork | | | | then tie the knot on the back of the quilt. |
| quilt top was sewn to a foundation fabric, | | | | Simply pull your thread from the back of the |
| securing the top to the inner layer. | | | | quilt, attach the button, and knot the |
| | | | thread, just as you would sew a button on a |
| The backing layer is also attached to the | | | | shirt. |
| foundation fabric in the center of the quilt, | | | | |
| but the ties do not come through to the quilt | | | | Another possibility is a bow. Instead of just |
| top. The double threads can be tied on the | | | | knotting your quilt tie, finish it off with a |
| back by carefully pulling the needle and | | | | bow. Add a large button under the bow for an |
| thread through only the back and foundation | | | | even more interesting look. As added safety |
| layers. | | | | against the bow coming untied, double knot |
| | | | it. |
| Extra work, to be certain, but clearly worth | | | | |
| the effort in order to preserve the quality | | | | And speaking of trains, trucks and other |
| and beauty of the Crazy Quilt top. | | | | things with wheels, make double-sided circles |
| | | | of fabric and sew them on to your quilt as |
| But, What About the Patchwork Quilts of | | | | wheels of your vehicle, attaching them just |
| Today? | | | | in the center. You might even add a button on |
| | | | top, and make the fabric circle wheel able to |
| Everyone agrees that tying a quilt is much | | | | spin around. |
| faster and generally easier than either | | | | |
| machine or hand quilting. | | | | If you have a lattice on your quilt top, |
| | | | maybe you could lay down a narrow ribbon and |
| Basically anyone who can hold a needle can | | | | tie it in place with ribbon ties every few |
| tie a quilt and get a sense of | | | | inches along the way. If this quilt will be |
| accomplishment. All members of a congregation | | | | washed, you might want to secure the ribbon |
| are invited to tie a knot in the prayer | | | | strips with other stitching as well. |
| quilt, no sewing ability needed. Yarn, perle | | | | |
| cotton or embroidery thread tied in a simple | | | | Where you place the ties on your quilt can be |
| knot is perfect for that kind of quilt. | | | | interesting, too. Just as quilters stitch |
| Often, the quilters in the group put the ties | | | | their quilting to make a design, your ties |
| in and the congregation simply ties the | | | | can add to the design of your quilt. |
| knots. | | | | |
| | | | If your quilt has an ocean flavor, your ties |
| Other quilts would be ruined by either hand | | | | can be like birds in the sky or whiskers on a |
| or machine quilting. Anyone who has seen a | | | | seal. A basket quilt might have bows along |
| moderately heavily quilted quilt understands | | | | the handles of the baskets. And your |
| that the quilting tends to reduce the | | | | Sunbonnet Sue might have ribbons on her hat. |
| puffiness in a quilt. | | | | |
| | | | Have fun with every aspect of your quilt - |
| If you want a puffy, fluffy quilt, using | | | | from sewing the blocks together to quilting |
| thick batting will give you that look. And | | | | the top - whether you hand quilt, machine |
| tying the quilt will keep the layers together | | | | quilt or tie your quilt, finish it so someone |
| while maintaining the puffiness you want. | | | | you love can enjoy using it. |