Making an Old Fashioned String Tie Quilt

While many quilters follow the adage, "It's not a quilt until it's quilted," there is a lot to be said for the old-fashioned tied quilt or comforter. Traditionally made as a quick quilt or utility quilt, string or thread tied quilts can be attractive additions to your quilt collection. Make these quilts for children, who will love a quilt to death in a few years, or to add fluffy warmth that a traditional quilt simply can't match.

The Method

Tied quilts begin in much the same way as other quilts, by layering together a backing, batting and quilt top. Here is where the resemblance stops. Rather than basting the layers together and quilting, you make stitches in spread-out spaces all over the quilt top in a grid formation. Much like basting, tying holds the three layers together in spots all over the surface. Clip the threads between stitches and tie them into knots to create an attractive, country look to the top of the quilt.

The Advantages

Tying a quilt can be better method of finishing because it takes so much less time. You can tie a quilt in one day while even machine quilters can take a week to finish a piece and hand quilters need months. The results are fluffier, as well. Tying doesn't compress the batting as much as quilting does, so you can use a thicker batting, creating a warmer and thicker quilt.

The Disadvantages

A string tied quilt may be warm and quick, but it will never be a work of art. You may make an attractive baby quilt or child's quilt, and the gift recipient may love the quilt forever, but it is what it is: an attractive utilitarian piece. Tied quilts will never show off your best work as elaborate quilt motifs will. Tying is also not as sturdy as quilting. All those tiny stitches have a use besides looking pretty; they hold the fabric sandwich together in thousands of tiny spots. Tying holds it together in dozens instead, making for a less stable construction in the long run.

Variations

String tying can be a viable choice for your quilt, but you're not limited to tying with string or thread. Use a larger needle to force colorful yarn through the layers, making for a playful look to your quilt top. Thread very thin ribbon through the layers and tie it in bows for a sweet look on a baby quilt. Sew a button on each quilt square instead of using a tied knot. It will hold the layers together in the same manner, but give an additional design element to the quilt.