At one time I declared that I would NEVER tie a quilt with yarn.
Today I am eating my words.
I'm tying this quilt.
With Red Heart yarn, no less.
At least I used a coupon when I bought the yarn.
That would be a quilt tied with wool yarn, wich is a good idea. The wool felts and the knots virtually never come out. When tying quilts with Red Heart or other acrylic yarn, the knots will work themselves out and you will have to retie the quilt.
my first quilt was tied with embroidery floss ... but sadly I left the (very wide - like 18") borders untouched. One of these days I need to cut off the outer seams and quilt and bind it properly.
The red is a great pop of colour on this scrappy quilt.
I think it's very charming. And it's a nice nod to the women who quilted before us that needed to use this method so they could have a blanket quickly.
One of my favorite quilts made by my mom is tied with yarn, there is something soothing about being wrapped in it and tightening up the little knots that are working loose. :) I wouldn`t trade it for any other quilt.
It's all good. I have tied many quilts for charity and they turned out great (especially with the help of a whole group of people). Hope you are having a great weekend!
There's nothing wrong with tying a quilt, it's just the thing sometimes. I think the red color is very retro looking. It always amazes me that there's always someone that has to give their two cents anonymously.
some quilts just CALL OUT to be tied! And that one is definitely one of them! I think it's awesome! I tied my very first quilts (three different log cabins for my brothers), but haven't since then (20 years). I think I will probably tie some again in the future though!
I think it looks great! I try never to say never but usually about my kiddos...they are sure to do something as soon as I say they wouldn't dare ;) Smiles~Beth
A tied top has a different "feel" than a quilted one. while most of my tops are quilted, I love tying string quilts -- it makes me feel connected to quilting history.
Just curious... why would you never want to tie a quilt with yarn? I know that is what my mom did most of the time. I've certainly done it too.
I think it looks great and there are times when certain quilts are best tied rather than stitch quilted. There is room in the quilting universe for all kinds of techniques.
Oh, if you are worried about the knots coming undone (you did tie a surgeon's knot right?), you can place a tiny dot of Fray Check on each knot. Let it dry about 15 minutes before folding up. It helps keep the knots in tact.
Gosh, sorry to keep bugging you, but I would love to know what needle you used to hand tie? I sometimes have a devil of a time getting a needle that is big enough to hold yarn to go nicely through all my layers. I'd love it if you could do a tutorial (including specific needle brand and type) on how you tied your quilt.
You know I have a denim quilt top lurking around and I think I may tie it! There is NO WAY I could get that puppy to go through my domestic machine!! Maybe if I had a powerhouse of a machine, but I think it will have to be tied!!
a friend who was a quilter told me once that if they are tied they are then comforters...and i like that because i too think a tied comforter is more comforting sometimes than a quilted quilt ..i do most of my small lap robe size throws this way..i prefer to use a double strand of sport weight yarn..have never had one come untied thru many washings but i tie it one way then the other and to really give it a flair turn it over when you have the top done and tie under the little piece of yarn on the bottom and put a knot there..just catch the backing--don;t go all the way thru to the front....makes it reversable..p.s. i use a chenille needle..works great..
I have found that when I look at all the tied quilts, those are the most loved, whether a grandma made them or someone from a long long time ago. Truth be told all my quilts are tied as my machine cannot go thru 3 layers-has no walking foot either, but for now that is what I do, tie quilts. I use pearl cotton or embroidery floss as the knot stays and does not come un-done like poly yarn will. Tie each knot with love ; )
I use crochet thread for tying... Cause I've had a family member or two try tying quilts with acrylic yarn, and they didn't do it right, cause it looked tacky...
Too funny! I started out only knowing how to "finish" a quilt by doing yarn ties haha! Granted I was only 19 when I started quilting and had NO idea what machine quilting and long arms were! haha! I'm glad you tried it out! It's definitely a process that takes LOTS of patience :-)
I find that hand tying a quilt is relaxing. I have tied a few quilts and I am never disappointed with the outcome. To me it seems more homey or personal to give a tied quilted quilt as a gift.
Don't feel bad. I tied at least the first 10 quilts I made and the friends I gave them to still love them. I still have my baby quilt which was tied (with red yarn!)and love it to pieces as well. Welcome to the tied side!
yes what did change your mind and welcome to the club - Love the quilt. I have not hand tied one yet myself but I won't say Never! - I might have to eat my words LOL
That is funny. It also funny how differently people refer to things. If it was quilted it was called a quilt by my grandmothers. If it was tied, it was called a comforter.
When I saw the picture I thought, "Oh Amanda made a comforter."
Great quilt! I have a question about using vintage thread. I also have a box of thread from my grandma that looks like yours (on a wooden spool) and I was told that it would not hold up in quilts. I think the concern was something to do with the acid in the wood getting into the thread and making it not as strong as the modern threads on plastic spools... I may have it a little wrong, but that was the gist. Has anyone heard of this? Is it just an old wives tale? Any truth in it? Thanks for any info - I'd love to use some of my grandma's old thread.
I have been using older threads that I have and so far, no problems. Also, items I sewed decades ago (hence the threads are old now too) are holding up just fine.
I have a supply of random colors of threads that were in the kit with the 1961 Singer 503a (Rocketeer!) that I inherited a few years ago. When I need a particular color that I don't have on hand, I just go through the older threads and find something suitable. So far, no breakage or pilling. I love finding those older wooden spools and I hang onto them, keeping them in our block bin for the grandkids to play with.
When I bought my new Brother machine a few months ago, I was told to never use "coats and clark" or any older yarns as they just wouldn't work in my machine. Well, I use them all the time (mostly because it is what I have around) and I've never had an issue.
I'm kind of on a thread diet. I want to use up what I have before purchasing more. If it is just for seams, I can always find something in my thread collection that is close enough. I will use navy or dark brown to seam up black fabrics, for instance.
I have had to purchase black and white thread though because I was absolutely out of them and needed it for top stitching.
and it's OK, because sometimes scrappy quilts made with love just need to be tied up with Red Heart!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOne should never say never :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend :o)
Too cute! :o)
ReplyDeleteI have not tied a quilt before either.
I've said that about yarn before too...gives it a vintage feel
ReplyDeleteI have an old quilt that was tied with something, now it's all fuzzed up and looks like it has tiny pom poms on it.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a quilt tied with wool yarn, wich is a good idea. The wool felts and the knots virtually never come out. When tying quilts with Red Heart or other acrylic yarn, the knots will work themselves out and you will have to retie the quilt.
ReplyDeleteha, ha I've had to eat my words many times ;-)
ReplyDeleteOH. I have said those words....and your tying looks cute...and maybe I will eat mine too? LOL
ReplyDeletemy first quilt was tied with embroidery floss ... but sadly I left the (very wide - like 18") borders untouched. One of these days I need to cut off the outer seams and quilt and bind it properly.
ReplyDeleteThe red is a great pop of colour on this scrappy quilt.
I think it's very charming. And it's a nice nod to the women who quilted before us that needed to use this method so they could have a blanket quickly.
ReplyDeleteI like it!
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up! I'm curious to know what is the occasion for tying. :)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite quilts made by my mom is tied with yarn, there is something soothing about being wrapped in it and tightening up the little knots that are working loose. :) I wouldn`t trade it for any other quilt.
ReplyDeleteOh please, tell the story of Why you are tying this quilt.
ReplyDeleteLooks like late 60's early 70's to me, at least your squares aren't polyester...lol I love it!! I learned to never say never after I had kids.
ReplyDeleteMwahahaha! Oh I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing *with* you ;-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the club!
ReplyDeleteIt's all good. I have tied many quilts for charity and they turned out great (especially with the help of a whole group of people). Hope you are having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteTied quilts always look so cozy and comfy. Like being wrapped in nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteYes, curious minds want to know...what made you change your mind?
ReplyDeleteOf course it is looking oh so sweet with its little red ties :0)
Happy Sewing
There's nothing wrong with tying a quilt, it's just the thing sometimes. I think the red color is very retro looking. It always amazes me that there's always someone that has to give their two cents anonymously.
ReplyDeletesome quilts just CALL OUT to be tied! And that one is definitely one of them! I think it's awesome! I tied my very first quilts (three different log cabins for my brothers), but haven't since then (20 years). I think I will probably tie some again in the future though!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great! I try never to say never but usually about my kiddos...they are sure to do something as soon as I say they wouldn't dare ;) Smiles~Beth
ReplyDeleteIt looks great... but why the change of heart?
ReplyDeleteA tied top has a different "feel" than a quilted one. while most of my tops are quilted, I love tying string quilts -- it makes me feel connected to quilting history.
ReplyDeleteJust curious... why would you never want to tie a quilt with yarn? I know that is what my mom did most of the time. I've certainly done it too.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great and there are times when certain quilts are best tied rather than stitch quilted. There is room in the quilting universe for all kinds of techniques.
(PS: I also love Red Heart!)
Oh, if you are worried about the knots coming undone (you did tie a surgeon's knot right?), you can place a tiny dot of Fray Check on each knot. Let it dry about 15 minutes before folding up. It helps keep the knots in tact.
ReplyDeleteGosh, sorry to keep bugging you, but I would love to know what needle you used to hand tie? I sometimes have a devil of a time getting a needle that is big enough to hold yarn to go nicely through all my layers. I'd love it if you could do a tutorial (including specific needle brand and type) on how you tied your quilt.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Haha! It's like a curse! I keep reminding myself never to say it about parenting things!
ReplyDeleteI never wanted to tie anything until I saw the vintage-looking, tied log cabin quilt they had in pottery barn a while back. So homey!
This made me smile. I love how transparent you are about yourself! Shawn also made me smile about polyester patches!
ReplyDeleteI love tying quilts, used this method a couple of times to great effect. I think it's ideal for scrappy quilts, especially String Quilts.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather sleep under a tied quilt than a machine quilted one. I love how yours looks.
ReplyDeleteYou know I have a denim quilt top lurking around and I think I may tie it! There is NO WAY I could get that puppy to go through my domestic machine!! Maybe if I had a powerhouse of a machine, but I think it will have to be tied!!
ReplyDeletea friend who was a quilter told me once that if they are tied they are then comforters...and i like that because i too think a tied comforter is more comforting sometimes than a quilted quilt ..i do most of my small lap robe size throws this way..i prefer to use a double strand of sport weight yarn..have never had one come untied thru many washings but i tie it one way then the other and to really give it a flair turn it over when you have the top done and tie under the little piece of yarn on the bottom and put a knot there..just catch the backing--don;t go all the way thru to the front....makes it reversable..p.s. i use a chenille needle..works great..
ReplyDelete"At least I used a coupon when I bought the yarn." YES. There are so many things I do in my life that I end up applying this mentality to, lol!!!
ReplyDeleteI have found that when I look at all the tied quilts, those are the most loved, whether a grandma made them or someone from a long long time ago. Truth be told all my quilts are tied as my machine cannot go thru 3 layers-has no walking foot either, but for now that is what I do, tie quilts. I use pearl cotton or embroidery floss as the knot stays and does not come un-done like poly yarn will. Tie each knot with love ; )
ReplyDelete*gasp* *shock* *awe*
ReplyDelete;-)
The first quilt I made is tied with yarn. It's my favorite blanket and I sleep under it nearly every night.
ReplyDeleteit looks great but a lot of work
ReplyDeletethat was hysterical!!! i have a few old quilts that i tied.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I love this. Good luck and have fun with it.
ReplyDeleteI think there is something extra cozy and sweet about a yarn tied quilt. I'm sure it will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt's a cute quilt! I have tied quilts for babies with embroidery floss, I feel less quilting makes a cozier blanket sometimes.
ReplyDeleteLea
I tie every baby quilt I make, but I usually use embroidery floss. ;) I'm excited to see what your tied quilt looks like in the end!
ReplyDeleteWe have all done it at one time or another..lol. It is pretty.
ReplyDeleteDolly
I use crochet thread for tying... Cause I've had a family member or two try tying quilts with acrylic yarn, and they didn't do it right, cause it looked tacky...
ReplyDeleteThe red yarn is perfect for your quilt. I use cotton yarn or crochet thread for tying.
ReplyDeleteIts lovely actually isnt it. And! you have given me an idea on thise lines but slightly different. Wonder if it will work out.
ReplyDeleteToo funny! I started out only knowing how to "finish" a quilt by doing yarn ties haha! Granted I was only 19 when I started quilting and had NO idea what machine quilting and long arms were! haha! I'm glad you tried it out! It's definitely a process that takes LOTS of patience :-)
ReplyDeleteLove a good yarn tied quilt. What on earth are you doing with that quilt? At least you used red, my fav color!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteBut that's true: never say never...:o)))
I find that hand tying a quilt is relaxing. I have tied a few quilts and I am never disappointed with the outcome. To me it seems more homey or personal to give a tied quilted quilt as a gift.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad. I tied at least the first 10 quilts I made and the friends I gave them to still love them. I still have my baby quilt which was tied (with red yarn!)and love it to pieces as well. Welcome to the tied side!
ReplyDeleteI used to say never to machine quilting, ha! Never say never! What was I thinking all those years of hand quilting, yikes!
ReplyDeleteyes what did change your mind and welcome to the club - Love the quilt. I have not hand tied one yet myself but I won't say Never! - I might have to eat my words LOL
ReplyDeleteha! don't you feel bad one single bit. it is always the tied quilts that get loved the most!
ReplyDeleteha! don't you feel bad one single bit. it is always the tied quilts that get loved the most!
ReplyDeleteThat is funny. It also funny how differently people refer to things. If it was quilted it was called a quilt by my grandmothers. If it was tied, it was called a comforter.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the picture I thought, "Oh Amanda made a comforter."
ps. Please please tell me how you did this. :0)
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the quilts we had on our beds when we were little. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt! I have a question about using vintage thread. I also have a box of thread from my grandma that looks like yours (on a wooden spool) and I was told that it would not hold up in quilts. I think the concern was something to do with the acid in the wood getting into the thread and making it not as strong as the modern threads on plastic spools... I may have it a little wrong, but that was the gist. Has anyone heard of this? Is it just an old wives tale? Any truth in it? Thanks for any info - I'd love to use some of my grandma's old thread.
ReplyDeleteI have been using older threads that I have and so far, no problems. Also, items I sewed decades ago (hence the threads are old now too) are holding up just fine.
ReplyDeleteI have a supply of random colors of threads that were in the kit with the 1961 Singer 503a (Rocketeer!) that I inherited a few years ago. When I need a particular color that I don't have on hand, I just go through the older threads and find something suitable. So far, no breakage or pilling. I love finding those older wooden spools and I hang onto them, keeping them in our block bin for the grandkids to play with.
When I bought my new Brother machine a few months ago, I was told to never use "coats and clark" or any older yarns as they just wouldn't work in my machine. Well, I use them all the time (mostly because it is what I have around) and I've never had an issue.
I'm kind of on a thread diet. I want to use up what I have before purchasing more. If it is just for seams, I can always find something in my thread collection that is close enough. I will use navy or dark brown to seam up black fabrics, for instance.
I have had to purchase black and white thread though because I was absolutely out of them and needed it for top stitching.
I read this blog.It really wonderful and amazing.Thanx to share with us this informative informations.
ReplyDeleteI've never tied a quilt, but i do love the vintage feel it gives. Is there a reason you don't like using yarn?
ReplyDelete