Quilting without "Quilting"

by Bethany Armitage

Quilting is often defined as the process of turning a patchwork pieced top into a quilt, by adding wadding and backing and then attaching the three layers together. In most of our heads the options open for quilting are either sewing by hand or by machine. However, this is only a part of the story! There are other methods available to you that you may not have thought of.

Tying

A tied quilt has a handmade look to it, which is very much in keeping with the trend for vintage quilts. It also adds detail to a simple pattern. To try this you will need a tapestry needle with a sharp point and a large eye, decorative thread and embroidery floss or yarn.

How to:

1

Choose where you want your quilting to start. It looks nice in the centre of a simple block. Also pay attention to the wadding you use as
many of them will specify a minimum quilting distance, and this should still be taken into account.

2

Thread your needle with your desired thread (I used all six strands of embroidery floss). Insert your needle down through all three quilt layers and back up close to the initial starting point. (See above). Leave a 2” tail.

3

Repeat another stitch in the same location to reinforce it.

4

Cut your thread, leaving another 2” tail.

5

Use a double knot to tie the tails together. If you want to you can trim excess tails, leaving approximately 1”.

Pros

This is a very quick and simple way of finishing your quilt and is ideal for the beginner or for those who aren’t able to commit to a fully quilted piece.

Cons

Tied quilts are not as durable as fully quilted pieces and it should not be used to quilt items that need repeated washing or are for heavy use (ie playmats). However, if you are concerned, you could stitch in the ditch first to stabilise the blocks so you get the look without the issues.

These are just a few ideas for ‘quilting without quilting’. I am sure you can think of many more. If you do, please share them with us.

Large hand stitches

This is a variation on the tying method, but the ties are on the back and a stitch is visible on the top. This looks nice with a cross stitch design as shown (right).

Buttons

This is one of my favourite methods, it’s fun and it certainly is eye-catching! You will need an embroidery needle, embroidery thread and lots of buttons.

How to

6

This technique looks great with a high loft wadding such as a polyester as it pulls the layers tight.

7

Simply sort through your button box to find a selection of gorgeous embellishments with large holes. You will need one for the top of the quilt and one for the bottom.

8

Separate two strands of your  embroidery floss measuring  approximately 12” long and thread onto an  embroidery needle. Tie a double knot in  the embroidery floss close to the end.

9

Poke the needle up from the bottom of the quilt, through the backing, wadding and quilt top. Pull on the needle until the knot stops at the back of the quilt.

10

Pass the needle through two of the holes on the button and back through onto the back of the quilt, then add the second button and pass the needle up through the top button. Keep stitching through both buttons until they are fully secure.

11

Finish with the thread passing out of the back of the quilt and secure with a few small stitches underneath the button. Make sure these are hidden by the bottom button. Once you are happy everything is firmly secured, cut the thread.

12

Continue adding buttons.

Pros

This is a simple way of finishing your quilt and is ideal for the beginner who wants to make a statement. It also looks fabulous and makes a great sensory blanket.

Cons

Button quilts are not advised for small children as the buttons can work loose.