How to Knot a Quilt While Quilting

Strong yarn may be used to knot a quilt.

Using knots to secure a quilt is an alternative to hand or machine quilting to hold the three layers together. Though the technique is not generally used on traditional quilts, it is suitable for certain styles of quilts that are rough or have alternative patterns. Patchwork quilts are often tied with knots, either on the front or the back of the quilt as preferred by the quilter.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt backing
• Batting
• Quilt top
• Safety Pins
• Quilt frame or hoop (optional)
• Curved tapestry needle
• 4-ply yarn or embroidery floss
• Scissors

Instructions

Preparation

1. Lay the quilt backing out on a large, clean flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.

2. Roll out the batting on top of the quilt backing. Make sure to center it and leave even amounts around the edges.

3. Place the quilt top on top of the other two layers; center it and make sure it is even with the other layers.

4. Place a large safety pin through all three layers in the exact center of the quilt, being careful not to move any of the layers.

5. Pin every 6 inches along the lines of the square and the sashing, working out from the middle and smoothing the layers as you go.

Tying Knots

1. Place the pinned quilt layers in a quilt frame or use a hoop if desired. This will help keep equal tension and make it easier to work but is not crucial to the task.

2. Thread a curved tapestry needle with 4-ply yarn or several strands of embroidery floss. Knot the end, leaving a tail of at least 1/4 inch.

3. Insert the needle through all three layers at the center of the quilt. If you want your knots on the front of the quilt you will insert the needle down through the quilt top and make the return pass about ¼ inch from the insertion point. The tail left from the knotted end will be used to tie this knot.

4. Continue down the center of the quilt without cutting the floss/yarn for now. Cut the yarn or floss when you reach the end of the quilt; then go back to the center and follow the same procedure in the other direction.

5. Cut the yarn or floss between the ties and make a square knot to secure each tie. Continue in a grid lock pattern to place knots an even distance apart or use the corners of each square to judge proper placement.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose strong yarn or floss that can be tied securely without breaking. Make sure it is colorfast and won’t fade during washing.

References

• Quilting 101; How to Make a Quilt; 2005
• Quiltbug; Tying a Quilt; 1995 - 2011