Best Yarn for Tying Quilts: Buyer’s Guide (2026)

For tying quilts, most quiltmakers do well with a sturdy cotton such as DMC Pearl Cotton or a worsted-weight cotton like Lily Sugar’n Cream, wool-minded makers prefer a wool yarn such as Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool for a classic tied look, and budget-conscious makers can use an acrylic such as Red Heart Super Saver. The right choice depends on the quilt’s fiber, how often it will be washed and how visible you want the ties to be.

What Tying a Quilt Involves

Tying, also called knotting, holds the quilt top, batting and backing together with short lengths of yarn or thread, instead of stitching rows of quilting. You pass a needle through all layers, tie a square knot on the top and trim the ends. It is a fast, beginner-friendly finish, popular for thick batting, charity quilts and children’s quilts. The yarn must be strong enough to stay knotted through washing, and the knots must be secure.

Yarn Options at a Glance

How to Choose Yarn for Tying

Match the fiber to the quilt

Choose yarn that behaves like the quilt. Cotton yarn on a cotton quilt wears and washes evenly. Wool yarn suits wool batting or a heavy winter quilt, but wool needs gentler washing. Acrylic is strong and inexpensive, and it tolerates repeated washing, though it may feel less natural and can pill.

Weight and thickness

Worsted-weight yarn is a common choice because it is thick enough to see and hold a knot. For thick or high-loft batting, use thicker yarn or double the strands so the knots do not pull through. For a thin quilt and a delicate look, use perle cotton or a heavier cotton thread. The needle should have an eye large enough to take the yarn without fraying it.

Color and visibility

Ties can match the fabric for a quiet look or contrast for a bold, decorative one. Contrasting colors on solid fabric read as a design feature. On busy prints, a matching color tends to disappear. Choose colorfast yarn, and test it on a scrap if the yarn is dark or red, since colors can bleed in the wash.

Strength and knot security

A strong, tightly plied yarn resists wear. Smooth yarns can slip, so square knots and a second overhand knot, often called a double knot, help prevent loosening. Some makers trim the tails to about an inch, so the tails are long enough to stay put after washing.

Spacing and Technique Notes

Batting makers usually state how far apart quilting or ties should be. Polyester batting often allows wider spacing, while cotton and wool batting may need closer ties. Follow the batting package. Many quilters place ties every four to six inches in a grid, or at the corners of blocks, but always use the batting maker’s guidance. Thread the needle with a long length of yarn so you can tie several in a row, then cut between them.

Care and Safety

Wash according to the yarn label and the batting instructions, and use gentle cycles at first. Avoid very hot dryers with acrylic yarn, since heat can melt or damage it. Because ties have loose tails, a quilt with ties is generally not recommended for infants; follow safe sleep guidance from a pediatrician, and use stitched quilting for baby items.

Budget Tiers

• Budget: Acrylic worsted yarn such as Red Heart Super Saver, a practical choice for charity and children’s quilts.
• Mid-range: Worsted cotton such as Lily Sugar’n Cream, a good fit for washable family quilts.
• Premium: Wool yarn or DMC perle cotton and fine cotton thread, for heirloom or decorative ties.

Pick X If You…

Alternatives to Consider

• Machine or hand quilting: Rows of stitching give a more durable finish and are better for items that will see heavy use.
• Tying with perle cotton in a crossed pattern: A decorative, quilt-like look.
• Safety pins for temporary basting: Useful before tying to keep layers aligned.

Tools and Materials You Need

Beyond yarn, tying a quilt needs a large-eye needle such as a chenille or darning needle, sharp scissors, a thimble if you push through thick batting, and safety pins or basting spray to hold the layers flat. A ruler or a chalk marker helps keep ties evenly spaced. A flat table or the floor gives you room to work. Choose a needle that glides through the quilt without pulling the fabric, and replace it if it gets dull or burred.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Baste the quilt top, batting and backing so they stay smooth and unwrinkled.
2. Mark tie positions, often at block corners or in a regular grid.
3. Thread a long length of yarn through the needle, then take a stitch down through all layers and back up, leaving tails.
4. Take a second stitch in the same spot for extra strength, if the yarn is slippery.
5. Tie a square knot, then a second knot, and trim the tails to about an inch.

Common Problems and Fixes

If yarn frays as it passes through the quilt, use a shorter length or a larger needle. If knots slip, use a second knot or switch to a rougher yarn such as wool or cotton. If the quilt puckers, baste more closely before tying and work from the center outward. If colors bleed in the wash, rinse in cold water and use a color catcher, or test the yarn on a scrap in future. Taking a bit of time at the start prevents most of these issues.

Choosing Yarn by Quilt Type

For a baby or toddler quilt, stitching is generally preferred over ties, but a play mat or wall quilt can use bright cotton ties. For a charity or utility quilt, acrylic worsted yarn is easy to find and holds up through repeated washes. For a heritage quilt with wool batting, wool yarn keeps the look and the care routine consistent. For a decorative piece, perle cotton in contrasting colors makes the ties a design feature. Matching the yarn to the way the quilt will be used is the simplest way to avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best yarn for tying a quilt?

Worsted-weight cotton or wool is a common choice because it is strong and visible. The best option depends on the quilt’s fiber and how you will wash it.

Can I use embroidery floss to tie a quilt?

Yes, with several strands together, but it makes small, delicate ties. Perle cotton or heavier thread is often sturdier for a quilt that will be used.

How far apart should ties be?

Follow the batting maker’s guidance. Many quilters tie every four to six inches, but thin or cotton batting may need closer ties.

Will the ties come undone in the wash?

Not if you use a square knot, add a second knot and leave tails long enough. Strong, tightly plied yarn also holds better.

Is acrylic yarn okay for tying quilts?

It is a practical, inexpensive choice that tolerates washing. It may pill over time and does not breathe like cotton or wool.

Are tied quilts safe for babies?

Loose tails and knots can be a hazard for infants. Ask a pediatrician about safe sleep guidance, and consider quilting by stitching for baby items.