Question on knots in quilting

**Mamaw** · 08-24-2005, 05:55 PM

I think I remember from a class that when you are quilting the squared that you dont know the quilting thread. But I dont remember how to "catch" the thread so it does not just pull out. anyone know what I mean and can explain? Its been a long time and I just dont remember at all!

If not, I will just cheat and put a knot in my quilting thread when quilting the designs by hand.

Also can someone explain how to tie off a quilt. I have seen some that are just squares ( 9 patch I think) that have thread tying them together in each of the four corners.

Thanks and sorry if these are really stupid basic questions.

**Hollyhandi** · 08-26-2005, 08:25 AM

I wish I could help you but I could use the answers to these questions also.
I do know years ago I used yarn (knots ) every so often in my whole quilt . Not sure if thats wht you mean by tying off.

**lacyj** · 08-26-2005, 09:23 AM

I don't know if this is the way folks do it in quilting, BUT I use a back stitch or three instead of a knot. When I am starting a seam with a new piece of thread, I take 2 or 3 back stitches and then start with regular sewing. It works well for me and I've been doing it that way, most of my life. It is good for embroidery as the piece lays flatter.
The quilts I've seen tied, weren't tied in the corners. There's too much material in the corners, to go through.
Hope this makes sense...

**homesteadmamma** · 08-26-2005, 10:16 AM

You never have to back stitch when your quilting. The reason is because you will always cross over that stitch when your sewing that block to another block or from one piece to another one. Also when quilting, make sure your using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

At first, it will look like that piece of thread will come undone. It won't.

Here is a good link to tying a quilt. Its a tutorial and shows you exactly how to do it.
http://www.nmia.com/~mgdesign/qor/begin/tying.htm

**dina** · 08-26-2005, 10:19 AM

About knots -- This is the way I do it. I use a small knot, but I "bury" it in the batting. I wrap the end of the thread around my needle 2-3 times then pull the needle through. This gives me a small "quilters knot." Then when I take my first stitch I pull the knot through through the top layer being careful it doesn't go through the back -- don't pull too hard. The knot then gets caught in the batting -- no unslightly knots on the back. If your knot is making noticeable holes in the front of your quilt that don't "heal" quickly you may be making your knot too large. When you are finished, make your know close to the surface of the quilt - then run your needle back into the quilt burying you knot in the middle. When you come back up to the front cut your thread short so the tail will go back into the quilt. It takes some practice to get the hang of it, so don't get discouraged.

Tying a quilt is easy. You can use a variety of things to tie with. The main three I have used are yarn, crochet cotton and embroidery floss. I've had some trouble with knots in yarn coming untied -- but I have a cat. Your needle needs to be long enough to go through all 3 layers without getting lost and have a large enough eye to get your yarn through. I use an upholstery needle. I go into the quilt at the corner of one block and come up in the corner of the diagonal block. I then go back in my first hole and come back up again and tie a double knot. Both of these help things stay tied. Some people leave the yarn long and just skip from one block to another tying and cut and tie all the threads when finished, but I like to finish each tie as I go. Another form of "tying" is to sew buttons, charms, etc. in the block intersections where you would tie. This is not reccommeded for quilts to be used by babies and young children. You can also take a couple of stitches You can also "tack" a quilt which means you use sewing or quilting thread and go down and come up as I described for tying several times. When you are finished you knot the end off and bury the knot instead of tying the ends in a knot and leaving them long.

If you need pictures or better instructions any good basic quilting book should cover these things.

Happy quilting.

**Mamaw** · 08-26-2005, 10:54 AM

Thank you all so much. I think I might dig in the closet this weekend and see what material I have on hand.

**Michele Annette** · 08-26-2005, 04:56 PM

Also can someone explain how to tie off a quilt. I have seen some that are just squares ( 9 patch I think) that have thread tying them together in each of the four corners

Mamaw- first you need to baste your quilt layers together. I use safety pins to hold the layers together. Then I use a good quality perle cotton (100% cotton) such as DMC brand. You can use any color or colors you want. I cut a length of perle cotton about 21" and use a large needle that will be large enough for the perle cotton to go through and thin enough to go through all three layers of the quilt. Do not knot your end. With the qult rolled up neatly in your lap and exposing only the area you will be working, use one hand to hold the layers together at the exact point where you want your stitch to start. (such as a corner) Then bring your needle underneath the quilt and pierce the quilt from bottom to top straight up through the layers. Pull the needle through. (if it's tough use a thimble to push the needle from the back and needle nose plyers (covered with a piece of fabric so that it doesn't marr the needle) to pull your needle trhough. Be careful doing this. Once your needle is through, leave yourself about a three inch tail of perle cotton on the back. Put your needle straight back down about 1/16th of an inch next to where you entered along the seam. Pull through. Reinsert your needle straight up into first spot and then staight back down into second spot. Flip Your quilt over and clip the perle cotton with another three inch tail. Tie the knot with a square not and then one extra tie to be sure it is secure. Hold the thread tails straight out away from the quilt and clip the tails to about 3/4". One tie done.

I put ties about three to four inches apart on my quilts that are tied. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions about what I'm trying to explain! Have fun!

**many houseapes** · 08-26-2005, 06:00 PM

I've always had a horrible time quilting on the machine...so I've resorted to hand quilting. when I do cheat...I tie off. I usually use either crochet cotton or embroidery floss...tying in the middle of the patch, , but I think that it would be better to tie in the corners where the material is more durable & has less of a tendency to tear.