How to Do a Triple Stitch in Quilting
Quilting has grown from a practical way to create warm blankets to a modern way to design beautiful covers. While quilts are considered art forms and documents of history and culture, they also need to stand up to heavy use over time. Lengthen the life of your homemade quilts by using strong stitches. The triple stitch in quilting involves sewing three stitches instead of one. You can triple stitch a quilt by taking one stitch forward, one stitch back, and then one more stitch forward.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Quilting needles
- Quilting thread
- Scissors
- Quilt in progress
- Quilting hoop or quilting frame (optional)
- Quilting thimble (optional)
Instructions
-
Quilting Needle and Thread
-
1
Select the quilting thread in a color that matches the quilting material. For multi-colored fabric, choose a neutral ivory. You can also select a color that matches the background.
-
2
Thread the needle and tie a double knot at one end of the thread. Make sure the unknotted end of thread doesn't slip through the eye of the needle.
-
-
3
Use a pin to mark approximately 1 inch of quilting. Plan for nine to 12 triple stitches per inch.
Stitching the Material
-
4
Section off a small part of the quilt that you want to stitch. Quilters work with sections measuring 1 square foot or less.
-
5
Secure the quilt section. You can use a quilting hoop or quilting frame if you wish. Otherwise, hold the quilt section in one hand while sewing with the other.
-
6
Take a first stitch between the top and bottom pieces of the quilt, which house the quilt stuffing or batting. Pull the needle and thread gently up until the double knot meets the material. This hides the double knot inside the quilt.
-
7
Push the needle and thread back down into the quilt, using a stitch of 1/9 to 1/12 inch. Gently pull down until the thread is taut.
-
8
Bring the needle and thread up out of the quilt. Pull gently up until the thread is taut.
Complete the Stitch
-
9
Aim the needle back up near the original starting point and pull the thread up until taut. Be sure to make a new hole for this third stitch. Do not bring the needle through the original stitching or the stitch will come out.
-
10
Continue sewing the quilt with the triple stitch until you have about 4 inches of thread left. Push the needle and thread between the top and bottom pieces of the quilt. Make a double knot and trim the end.
-
11
Prepare another section of needle and knotted thread and begin on the next section of quilt. Remember to take small straight stitches. Try to use nine to 12 stitch lengths per inch.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep sharp quilting tools out of the reach of small children.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
