Tacking A Quilt

Tacking is a term most often incorrectly applied to the art of quilting.

American quilting styles are known for blending European, African-American and other cultures' sewing techniques, symbols and designs. One of the hallmarks of the quilting tradition is how each quilter takes the techniques and terminologies of others and incorporates those concepts with her own style. As such, it is understandable that terms such as tacking, basting and quilting became muddled over the generations. Tacking, as a term, was not originally applied to quilts, but rather comforters, lending to some confusion.

What Is Tacking?

Tacking is a method of joining three layers of material to form a thick blanket. Typically, the top and bottom layers are fabric. Between the fabric layers, another material is layered to provide depth and insulation against the cold. Some quilters use cotton batting, while others use feathers or even fabric scraps for padding and insulation between fabric layers. Tacking involves stitching or tying the three layers together so that the inner layer does not separate from the outer layers. It can also prevent cotton batting from separating from itself and bunching up, leaving lumps in the blanket.

Quilt, Comforter, Bedspread: What Is the Difference?

The material used for the inner layer of the three-layer sandwich varies, depending on the finished product desired. Quilts, for example, typically have a thin layer of cotton batting between the top and bottom fabric layers. Comforters, in contrast, use thicker cotton batting, feathers or other materials as stuffing between two fabric layers. Bedspreads, on the other hand, have little if any insulation between fabric layers. Quilts and bedspreads also feature more elaborate and tight stitching, forming aesthetically appealing patterns. In comparison, comforters have only the bare minimum of stitching to keep the layers from shifting.

Tacking a Comforter

When used for comforters, tacking is the only technique required, at least in terms of securing all three layers. Typically, a geometric pattern is selected, such as box or zigzag pattern. At regular intervals, a small area is stitched from the top layer through to the bottom layer, continuing around the comforter until the pattern is complete. Alternatively, yarn or ribbons are inserted down through the layers, then pulled back up through another spot and tied, leaving the ends exposed as decorative accents. Some comforters feature a button or other embellishment on top of each tacking point.

Tacking a Quilt

The term tacking, when applied to quilting, is often used to mean basting. Basting involves temporarily sewing long stitches at periodic intervals around the quilt. The intended purpose is to hold the layers in place during the quilting process. However, tacking a quilt can also refer to the same decorative yarn or ribbons seen in comforters. Some quilters add yarn or ribbon tacking as part of the overall design of the quilt, rather than just to hold layers together, as is seen in comforters.

References

• Springfield-Green County Library; Bittersweet Newsletter; Tacking for Comfort

Resources

• University of Virginia: Southern Quilting