fit to be Tied
This morning I joined 20 quilt-as-you-go log cabin blocks with 1/2" seams. Now all those seams are pressed open and voila - an already quilted quilt top!
This soft, understated palette and regimented block style would probably never have survived if I was working alone. I had help! These blocks were made by members of the Love circle of do. Good Stitches. Every month our virtual quilting circle makes a quilt to be donated to children through Wrap Them in Love. When it was my turn to lead the quilt last, I asked for quilt-as-you-go blocks. I admit, it was kind of cheating. I mean, I don't even have to quilt this one! But, I love the look and have long wanted to give it a go!
I'm going to sew up the quilt back today. After that I'll tie this quilt to secure the quilted top to the backing. I'm thinking red yarn! So, I poked around my house to see what's at hand. Here's the line up:
From left that's pearl size 8 thread, then a slightly thicker random thread, next a lustrous silk-blend yarn and lastly a thick, flat worsted weight yarn.
So, every time I've tied in the past I've used pearl size 8 thread, by Anchor or DMC. It's been an easy choice since this finer thread fits easily in my go to size 24 Chenille needles. See that folded Chicopee Churn Dash quilt on the shelf? It was tied with pearl size 8. I like how the thread ends unraveled and puffed up after a washing. Hopefully, it's still plenty secure?
I really like the look of thick yarn ties. Have you ever tried to use real yarn to tie a quilt? I have... It didn't work. I had trouble finding a needle to accept the yarn and, when I did, I couldn't pull the bigger needle/yarn through the quilt. I've seen yarn used to tie quilts quite a lot (in fact, here's a tutorial), so clearly there's a way. Maybe it just is that hard to muscle the yarn through? Though... I think I actually broke the yarn last time trying!
Do you have any tips for me? What type of needle and what type of yarn have you had success with?
Thanks for your help!
P.S. Interested in joining us at do. Good Stitches? We have lots of circles contributing quilts to many worthy charities with openings coming up now and then, plus new circles forming throughout the year. We especially needs folks to join who are able to lead and finish up quilts. Quilters lead a quilt every 5 months. It's quite alright if you only do straight line quilting! Straight lines (or organic straight lines) are great! Register for the wait list HERE.
This soft, understated palette and regimented block style would probably never have survived if I was working alone. I had help! These blocks were made by members of the Love circle of do. Good Stitches. Every month our virtual quilting circle makes a quilt to be donated to children through Wrap Them in Love. When it was my turn to lead the quilt last, I asked for quilt-as-you-go blocks. I admit, it was kind of cheating. I mean, I don't even have to quilt this one! But, I love the look and have long wanted to give it a go!
I'm going to sew up the quilt back today. After that I'll tie this quilt to secure the quilted top to the backing. I'm thinking red yarn! So, I poked around my house to see what's at hand. Here's the line up:
From left that's pearl size 8 thread, then a slightly thicker random thread, next a lustrous silk-blend yarn and lastly a thick, flat worsted weight yarn.
So, every time I've tied in the past I've used pearl size 8 thread, by Anchor or DMC. It's been an easy choice since this finer thread fits easily in my go to size 24 Chenille needles. See that folded Chicopee Churn Dash quilt on the shelf? It was tied with pearl size 8. I like how the thread ends unraveled and puffed up after a washing. Hopefully, it's still plenty secure?
I really like the look of thick yarn ties. Have you ever tried to use real yarn to tie a quilt? I have... It didn't work. I had trouble finding a needle to accept the yarn and, when I did, I couldn't pull the bigger needle/yarn through the quilt. I've seen yarn used to tie quilts quite a lot (in fact, here's a tutorial), so clearly there's a way. Maybe it just is that hard to muscle the yarn through? Though... I think I actually broke the yarn last time trying!
Do you have any tips for me? What type of needle and what type of yarn have you had success with?
Thanks for your help!
P.S. Interested in joining us at do. Good Stitches? We have lots of circles contributing quilts to many worthy charities with openings coming up now and then, plus new circles forming throughout the year. We especially needs folks to join who are able to lead and finish up quilts. Quilters lead a quilt every 5 months. It's quite alright if you only do straight line quilting! Straight lines (or organic straight lines) are great! Register for the wait list HERE.