Needle for Tieing a Quilt

[momto5]

My grandma never "quilted" her quilts but rather ran small lenghts of yarn through all of the layers and tied them in a knot to keep the batting from shifting. I made a crib quilt last year and tried to "tie" it. This was my problem: if I used a needle with an eye large enough to feed a piece of yarn through it didn't have a point sharp enough to poke through the fabric and the other way around.

I'm trying hard to learn how to machine quilt but I also like the old fashioned look of the way my grandma did it too.

[Evie]

We tied quilts too when I was a teenager. My Aunt would buy the crochet thread which is quite thick but not as thick as yarn. She used a needle with an eye just big enough to thread it. I don't remember any problems. For batting she always used old army blankets! The tops were crazy blocks stitched on top of squares cut from old sheets. The fabric was good pieces cut from old clothes. So you can imagine just how thick those quilts are. I still have a couple.

[grannyQuilts1]

i used the curved needle when i use to tie quilts.
Barbara

[auntjana]

There are needles for Crewel work - that have sharp points and a large eye for going in the fabric. I have tied my quilts with square knots and learn a new way by using a backstitch to hold the yarn in place. If you have a problem grabbing the needle - use a balloon - un-blown up - to grab the needle with - it will hold the needle from slipping through your fingers.
Jana

[cindyg]

I used a curved (almost a circle) upholstery needle. Worked great. Big eye, sharp point.

[CaroleJ]

I love tying quilts...I experimented with the curved needle, but I just couldn't get the hang of it, jabbed myself one time too many! I use a straight darning needle and embroidery floss.

Depending on the batting you use, you should at least tie the center of each block, and the 4 corners of each block. You should put some ties in the borders as well; I usually just space them evenly along the length and width of the quilt.

One tip: tying quilts can make your fingers REALLY sore. I use leather thimbles to protect my thumb and forefinger, and a small pad on the first knuckle of my ring finger...makes all the difference!

[quilterbee]

I use a curved needle and #5 perl cotton! Amie ;O)

[DouceFleur1]

I always use a curved needle too.

Denise

[redroof]

When I tie a quilt I use a circular needle and leave the quilt on the table, protected with a cutting mat. That way my fingers never get stabbed. Also I prefer a locking stitch rather than a knot. Quicker and easier on arthritic hands.