Quilty: Tying a Quilt-Quilting How-to

We?re definitely advocates of quilting a quilt by hand, machine, or longarmer, but sometimes tying a quilt to finish it is an option that makes sense. (A quick baby quilt comes to mind.) Learn how to prepare a quilt for tying and how tying a quilt works. From start to finish, you?ll see how to tie a quilt in order to get ?er done fast.
Watch more free Quilty episodes at QNNtv.com!

[@helenfrontino8822]

Mary you are wonderful. That you would show that tip shows just how genuine you are. Love you girl.

[@patcavasin5947]

My first beginner quilt was random square scraps, which I tied with yarn...I double tie the knot and through countless washings, they held up for over 35 years. A tied quilt has an old fashioned appeal for me.

[@gailkranz8737]

Thanks for the reminder lesson. Quilting again after a 20 year space in time, and loving it. I'am sure I'll be back to your site!

[@19inthemiddle]

This is an awesome video. The close ups make a difference! Thanks!

[@debbiepalmer422]

Nose oil makes sense... years ago in the days of diapers and diaper pins I was told to rub the safety pin thru my hair to make it go thru the diaper fabric easier. Simple old fashioned hints! Love it! ❤️

[@Ptyrendrs]

Hey Thank you Mary, very much. Next time I need to treat a needdle I will try my nose. Thank you for sharing this, I always like to watch your videos on Quilting tips. God bless you

[@shirleyhaberle86]

Thanks so much, first timer here and first quilt. I so needed this.

[@janmorrison4141]

Hi Mary - this is very helpful! I just finished my first quilt - for my newest grandchild - made of old shirts. I had to go out and buy an iron today to finish the top but I'm not going to get those special safety pins.I have to finish it before I fly home so... we'll see. I think nose oil is cool to use - great idea. You're fun and I'll be back cuz this won't be my last quilt!

[@tamboliyatamboliya2815]

I sincerely love your personality, joy, the colorful background and the nose tip, etc. I wish you would have shown the surgeon's knot however (I do not know that). Also, even though I do know a square knot, I feel you should have shown how to do that for those who have never been in Girl Scouts nor Boy Scouts. For those reading: a square knot is= right over left and then left over right. I hope that helps someone. I also really love your Bla Bla monkey and beautiful quilt in the background. I hope that I have a quilt like that one day.

[@betsyoman7173]

How to choose the right needle for the job: The eye of the needle has to be big enough to get the chosen thread or yarn through. The needle has to be small enough to pull through the cloth but big enough to make a hole for the thread or yarn to go through the fabric. If you are using batting with a lot of loft (thick puffy batting) you need a long enough needle that it won't get lost in the batting on the way through. And if you are using thick puffy batting, you wouldn't hand quilt or machine quilt it.

[@MsCalvin50]

I remember seeing my mom's old quilts with this method and hand quilting. I don't have the patience for that. I don't have a fancy quilting machine or know how to free style. I will use this method instead. thanks so much for the lesson and memories.

[@phoenixrising573]

Read the back of the batting bag as well - it tells you how close together the ties need to be.

[@lizryan6289]

I have discovered the International or "hidden" quilt tie method where only a bar tack is visible on the quilt top and backing fabric. I love it.

[@stephaniemiller8229]

You are adorable! 🥰 Thanks for this tutorial!

[@debbiedvorak6736]

I have watched a lot of videos. Tips on cutting, then scant quarter, organizing your fabric, etc. Each piece of the process builds on the other. when things are accurate, the points, and joins are smooth. Been quilting less than a year.

[@jorun73]

Love your videos, and thanks for the fabulous tips :)!!

[@marlenego100]

sempre é bom relembrar essa dica muito importante

[@sonya_vegan_mindfullife]

Awesome! Just started quilting. Very inspired. Sonya in South Africa

[@alicesandlie]

Those old lady knows some things, mom knew every home remedies and every trick imaginable.

[@cherylkaluza2786]

love your teaching video!

[@retrorage1]

Thanks! I really want to try this technique, as I want to make a quilt, but not necessarily buy a quilting machine. I've heard Liza Lucy, partner collaborator with Kaffe Fasset, say in a video, that Kaffe hand ties all his quilts. However, being that he is Kaffe Fasset, his quilts are probably show quilts not sleeping quilts.

[@grittyknitter1]

You had me at *nose wax*

[@penlint]

This was perfect for me!, I just finished a scrappy quilt top in strips like yours only larger and the thought of machine quilting was too daunting for me…I decided I was going to tie quilt but not sure how…Now I do and love the idea of using yarn! Thanks Mary for a great instructive video and love the closeups . They were very useful!

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Yes. Another great way to use up your yarn! Im making a row by row next & I'm going to tie it. If, my hands can do it. (Carpal tunnel, etc)🙂

[@bnyzhny]

Too funny 😂 - Great tute. Thank you.👏🥰

[@partzladymichelledesmond2368]

Fabulous you are my new go to!!

[@pab82k]

I have tied off two quilts now because I was going for the old fashioned look with them. I used a curved needle and it made it even easier.

[@PatreeshaL]

Thank you so much

[@ritamarafuz3883]

Love your videos

[@TarotLadyLissa]

My grandma used to tie quilts. For intricate quilst i prefer hand quilting, but a scrappy patchwork actually looks great tied, it makes it funky and fun.. takes the seriousness out of it. i messed up a quilt block once and a friend said "Relax, It's just a blanket!" If you need it done quick, tie it up!! Remember, it's just a blanket... an awesome blanket no less!!

[@karentoynton8948]

Hehe I can see all quilters sitting together rubbing their noses. Will look really funny when others not aware what they are doing. 😜 quilt looked good.

[@tinadarlene4623]

Great tip!!!

[@gailwhite5]

I've always used embroidery floss for tying my baby quilts, inexpensive and it stays tied much better than yarn.

[@nsphilip]

Thank you!

[@shermanhofacker4428]

I came here to try to get help with a way of keeping the batting of a commercial sleeping bag in place. The first couple times my new cold weather bag was used it was fine. Then i discovered cold spots (areas where the batting had folded and left only the inner and outer fabric between me and the cold) trying to move the insulation back into place has not been successful. I bought a new bag exactly like the one that eventually left me cold, planing on finding a way (other than full hand quilting) to stabilize the batting. I am considering poking the fabric glue applicator tip through the outer layer into the batting in a 6 X 6 pattern in an effort to glue/hold them together. I remember my family having several quilts tied with cotton tufts when i was a kid so I'm thinking that would be a good way to try.

[@vivialee5579]

Quilt pins also work great when you need to replace a shank button and don't have time to stitch it on. Also makes an antique shank button into a brooch.

[@susanmei9980]

They actually make safety pins with a little bump out for the button. Similar to quilter’s safety pins, but with a more pronounced bump or curve. I believe I bought at Joann’s, years ago. They are also great for pearl or specialty buttons that might be damaged if washed in a machine. I use a slightly different color thread to make one stitch where each button is to be placed, so that when I remove them for washing, I’ll know where to put each button back when I’m done. 😊🧵

[@lynnaltmayer7982]

wonderful instruction!* I wish you would do even more quilt videos Mary!

[@KarynLow]

Great idea, one question though, do you put ties close to the edges of the quilt before putting on the binding or would it be better to pin that area?

[@chefsusie17]

Starts at :48

[@MJWetmore]

I'm new to quilting and love your video; so easy to follow. I'm in the process of making a baby blanket for my new granddaughter who will arrive next month. I have NO CLUE whatsoever (remember, I'm new--a REAL beginner) how to bind the quilt. I searched on google and couldn't find anything from you on this. Do you (or anyone reading this) have a video with very detailed instructions for a beginner on how to bind that tied quilt? Thank you so much and hope to hear from you (or someone) soon...my time is running out. Thank you so much!

[@nadie0595]

Just subbed, you're about the cutest thing! The "nose" tip made me decide to sub, it's one of those things you get passed down, awesome!

[@safepethaven]

The natural body oil tip is a new one to me for needle threading, but not the first time it was recommended by my 6th grade band director, who also gave beginner instrument lessons. To make the R or L 5th fingers slide easier over the cluster keys [oboe, clarinet, etc.] he said to stroke the side of our noses, then place our hands in proper music playing position. Yes, it is socially yucky, especially when young teens & preteens are trying to get rid of oily complexions, but it works!

[@karentoynton8948]

Any tips on finishing a EPP Bessie quilt. Mine is a king size. Really not sure best suggestion . Maybe a long arm quilter or to hand tie in view of the size. I will never be able to do anything I am sure on my domestic machine. Thanks for any tips. Xx

[@cadyconcepcion6392]

I have never thought about using my greasy nose as a sewing tool, but if there's more things I can wipe my nose on then I'm all for it! I wear glasses too, so having a oily complexion and glasses on top makes for a slippery slope on my face at times! I have always just sucked on the thread and then bit on it as I pulled it out of my mouth to make a flat piece to thread through the needle.

[@lindabass7750]

Want to see the 'finished product' after tying off yarns--top and bottom sides..thanks

[@mrs7872]

I have a question. If I wanted to be a cheater pants, and use a comforter I got from Goodwill as my batting and backing, could I use the machine to sew small tacked areas throughout the quilt. Lots of threads to snip, but will it work? Pick a spot, forward and backwards like at the end/beginning of a seam, all over the quilt. Would that work? Anyone ever tried this?

[@janil493]

did you say that first you quilt the top and then tie? Thanks, Nilda Gerena

[@caltick]

Wow, this is the second time in my life I've heard about nose oil, the first was from a guy who worked in the construction of aircraft engines. Apparently nose oil is among the lowest viscosity of all oils. He would use it when fitting extremely tight tolerance parts. Awesome tip!

[@ericajulson3560]

+caltick ok I want to share a random add on. I used to bartend...a customer informed me nose oil makes the fizz on soda and beer go away. Tried it (on a small cup for dumping not for a customer) and it worked.

[@jimmorgan6819]

if you know a local Funeral Home or Funeral Director see if you can buy an "S" curve needle from there works great in tying a quilt top.

[@itsabeckything2367]

I am making my first jean quilt and am not sure if I should use batting or how to quilt once the layers are together. Would love it if you could give me some advice.

[@pamelaallen6543]

I made a jean quilt for my grandson. I put a sturdy backing on and tied it all over. Jean quilts are so heavy, they don't need batting.

[@sallymay3643]

It would have been nice 2 c the stich on the other side of the quilt y not show it

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Well, we've all seen a stitch, right? I don't get why that's important?

[@jghernandez419]

I tied my quilt for the 1st time I used a Acrylic yarn and not it's un knotting can I glue the knots? Thank in advance for any info:}

[@susanmei9980]

Re-tie, and then put a drop of fray check on each knot. I prefer cotton embroidery floss, six strands and doubled up or pearl cotton for tying. These hold better and I like the look and feel of cotton better than synthetic yarn. But it all works.

[@brigitteahlbach4412]

Sehr gut würde es gerne kaufen aber wo?

[@gabriellakate3310]

I'm a beginner to quilting. Why can't you use quilting thread to tie it? Thanks :)

[@FabricFest]

Thanks! I was wondering how to do that.

[@raietownsend4123]

FabricFest )7

[@claudettemonty4077]

Can I suggested to you to go to yarns store cuz they have a threaders specialty for yarn! It cost around 1$-2$ max and work in an instant!! Trouble free!

[@MsJINX84]

Has anyone watched this video with the sub captions on? Im hard of hearing but I am really confused where the squirrel came in according to the captions lol

[@LottieSue]

If anyone can answer this question I'm sure it must be the folks at Fons and Porter. Personally, hate the little strings left from tying a quilt and would a to know what other kinds of ties can be done that would make this tie invisible. I"m not talking about machine tacking. Do you think button thread would hold securely or do you have any ideas?

[@susanmei9980]

Yes, buttons have been used for tying. I’ve seen small ribbon bows, stitched on with a sewing machine through all layers, used, and it looks pretty. I followed a chain of KZbin videos today that included ones on tying through the top & back, two stitches over each other to hold, then carry the thread in between the layers, not cutting between each tacking spot. So, just little stitches show on front and back.

[@MicheleAtha]

I feel insecure about whether my quilt is sandwiched well, tight enough. How can I tell before I get started tying or machine quilting or what not.

[@pamelaallen6543]

Try Elmer's craft bond, makes basting easy. Lay down your backing, lightly spray. then smooth on the batting. Spray lightly on the batting and smooth the top on and you're done. You are now ready to quilt. I did one this morning and it worked like a charm.

[@susanbeal4322]

You could not see how you actually tied a square knot!!!

[@nancyc829]

Please share pattern

[@ceemaa8119]

Lol...nose grease! Thanks!

[@shermanhofacker4428]

For those who wear make-up, the skin oil can also be found behind the ears!

[@makayladay1358]

I have dry skin. Do you think earwax would work? Or should I use my boyfriends nose grease?

[@eleanorflum4808]

They used to use ear wax.....even had little "scoops" in a sewing kit for the purpose of extracting it. 😲 Thank you fo this video!

[@marytringale3314]

No Emnroidery Needlepont

[@jlnriddick]

Anyone ever tell you you could pass for Anne Hathaway?? And yeah, I'm really not a prude, but that nose oil idea is beyond grody!

[@karentoynton8948]

Bessie was autocorrect should say Hexie sorry.

[@WhateverHunterLiz]

Great video. Too many adds.

[@birdie1059]

Смотреть без звука и с двойным ускорением.

[@phoenixrising573]

Spend 99cents and buy a needle threader - simplify the whole process!!!

[@stephaniepack2003]

I can't believe JUST tying is good enough to hold the quilt together ... this is okay for a queen sized quilt too ? I REALLY REALLY don't have to do any quilting ??

[@marybassis5505]

+Stephanie Pack You may have already received an answer to your question. But if not, I hand quilted a 6'10" x 8' quilt a couple of years ago for my son-in-law. It is a t-shirt quilt. I hadn't even read much about how to do it. It has held up really well. I think I even used many less ties than are recommended.

[@lorreln2018]

Every quilt my grandmother made for me was hand tied with acrylic yarn. They are all queen sized and have been washed many times in 40 years, they have never come untied.

[@MamaCassOFee]

Guess you are never going to wash that quilt because if you do the tie will come loose (you cut the thread too short). The thread should be at least an inch or more long after you cut it..

[@crystalmorales8145]

MamaCassOFee I like the the look of the thread longer too.

[@cherylwhite654]

a curved needle works much better

[@readytogarden3770]

skip ahead 5 minutes to get to actually tying.

[@painting55]

I hand tied a quilt to make it look dated. All hand ties are coming untied after machine washing the quilt several times. The quilt looks exactly like I wanted it to but the ties are undone and not up to machine washing. I think hand ties were good back in the days of old fashioned hand washing a quilt, not up to today's machine washing.

[@gabbyg561]

I remember when we hand tied quilts, and they stay tied even if washing in the Washer. I can't remember the tie we did though. I really want to machine quilt, so I can learn it, but one tutorial I watched said that machine quilting on a home sewing machine can be quite awkward, well that is what most of of have.

[@susanmei9980]

Re-tie, and then put a drop of fray check on each knot. I prefer cotton embroidery floss, six strands and doubled up or pearl cotton for tying. These hold better and I like the look and feel of cotton better than synthetic yarn. But it all works.

[@CraftAmundous]

Zomagah! Don't cut em that short without doing a surgeons knot! Nose grease...I have PLENTY of that. It could have been worse...at least you didn't stick your finger up your nose and use THAT goop. Cha, nose grease is not gross...snot it. LMAO!!

[@lisareed5669]

I pop the thread in my mouth, and I don't even care if anybody knows!

[@stephaniepack2003]

well, i guess if we didn't ask our questions BACK in 2012, we're out of luck ....

[@ruthannelackey8624]

I run the needle thru my hair

[@aishakhalid5607]

That’s why you have a thin nose dear 😉

[@yvesklein5414]

use a needle threader, never "nose grease." what ridiculous advice

[@christinej1519]

I always feel as if she's missed her calling as a Broadway actress or a Kindergarten teacher. I just can't take her over-the-top animated style of presentation.... too distracting and condescending.