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Finishing a Quilt

The Final Steps

How to Tie-Off a Quilt

This article especially pertains to my quilted lap robe article.

You need a darning or curved tapestry needle which will accommodate 4-ply yarn.

Choose a yarn that coordinates with the quilt pattern. You can tie off at the top or back of the quilt – whatever best suits the top pattern.

The lap robe is small enough that you don’t need to stretch it over a makeshift frame.

Line the top and backing up right sides out and center to center. Pin them together along the center both vertically and horizontally. Where they cross defines the center.

Since the fabrics are different weights and materials, they will stretch differently.

Quilting or tying off without a stretching mechanism (hoop or frame) should start in the center and work outward toward the edges.

Smooth the layers and pin vertically at six-inch intervals. So you will have a row of pins across the 33 ½-inch side at 17 ¾ inches and rows down the 24-inch at 6, 12 and 18 inches.

Decide what pattern of tied knots will suit your design.

Straight rows to create a rectangle or diamond pattern are most common.

Starting at the center of your pattern, sew from the top down through the layers then back up again about ¼ inch away.

Tie a double knot or a surgeon’s knot and cut the ends to about ½ inch. Move outward toward the edges to complete your ties.

Finishing a Quilt

Remove pins and trim the edges to match, making sure to square the quilt.

A quilter’s ruler is helpful to make perfect right angles. You will also need quilt binding tape to bind the raw edges together and finish your quilt.

Quilter Heather Bailey has the clearest tutorial on how to bind a quilt I’ve seen.

And you can download it free!

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for quilters, no matter the level of experience.

Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts By: Jinny Beyer

Machine Quilting Made Easy By:Maurine Noble

Quilter's Complete Guide By: Marianne Fons

Contemporary Machine Embroidered Quilts: Innovative Techniques and Designs By: Eileen Roche

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