How to Hand Tie a Quilt

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

If you know how to hand tie a quilt, then you can finish a quilt in a fraction of the time that it might take you using a different method of quilting. Tying a quilt is sometimes regarded as the beginners' option but it can add a real design touch to a quilt.

Steps

1
Cut a piece of thread about 20" (50.8cm) long. Use a strong, natural thread; you can use embroidery thread but crochet thread is also fine. You can even use wool, but be careful not to use anything too thick because it may be difficult to pull through the three layers of the quilt and thicker thread can tend to pull the wadding through the fabric.
2
Push the needle down through all three layers of the quilt fabric and then up again about 1/4" (6.35mm) away from the initial down stitch. Leave a tail of about 2" (5cm) of thread to tie the quilt.
3
Take the needle back to where it first went in and repeat the stitch. This extra step is worth the effort to secure the knot.
4
Cut the thread about 2" (5cm) away from the stitch. You should now have two threads both 2" (5cm) long. Tie these in a double knot. You can leave the ends that length or trim them to about an inch (2.5cm). Trimming them any shorter than that is not recommended.

Community Q&A

Question

Do the tied ends go on the top or the bottom of the quilt?

Community Answer

They can go on either the top or the bottom, depending on your preference. Having the ends on the top is more traditional.
Question

For six inch squares, do I need to tie to the center or just at the corners?

Community Answer

It does not matter if you tie in the center or at the corners as long as the ties are more than four inches apart.
Question

How do I tie blanket ends?

Community Answer

Take the ends of the blankets corners and tie them together.
Question

Do I need to hoop a quilt when tying it?

Caron Mosey

Community Answer

Normally you do not tie a quilt in a hoop. The three layers (backing, batting and top) can be laid over a table for tying. You can also do what the pioneers did and put the three layers into a wooden quilt frame and tie it that way.
Question

What size needle do I need for this? A large tapestry needle was difficult to get through the layers.

Community Answer

The tapestry needle does not have a sharp enough point to penetrate three layers. There are needles made for tying quilts and they have a sharp point and are curved to make the stitching easier. Or you could use an ordinary needle that has a fairly large eye and use a needle threader to get the yarn or string through the eye.