How to Tack a Quilt by Hand – An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Tacking Your Quilt Layers Together

Everything You Need to Know About Tacked Quilts

If you’ve searched for information on tacked quilts, you’ve likely come across this DIY quilting technique and have some questions. As a long-time quilter, I want to share what I’ve learned over the years to help answer all of your intentions.

What is a tacked quilt?

A tacked quilt, also called a tacked comforter, is a quilt where the layers (top, batting, and back) are held together with straight pins or tacks rather than being fully quilted. This results in a casual, rustic look rather than a perfectly even stitch pattern you’d see in a traditionally quilted piece.

Specifically, a tacked quilt involves placing the fabric layers together and securing them intermittently with small straight pins or carpet tacks inserted at random angles rather than being machine or hand quilted all over. The goal is simply to keep the layers from shifting rather than outlining a consistent design.

Why tack a quilt?

There are a few key benefits to tacked quilts:

1. Speed – Tacking is much faster than traditional quilting since there is no need to sew intricate patterns or even tack down the layers in a uniform grid. This makes tacked quilts a great option for casual, impromptu projects.
2. Simplicity – Tacking removes the technical skill required for quilting and allows anyone to easily make a quilt, even complete beginners. All that’s needed is some pins or tacks!
3. Rustic charm – The casually tacked layers have a cozy, laidback aesthetic that appeals to many. It looks handmade in the best sense.

In summary, tacked quilts are a lovely low-stress way to enjoy quilting without as much time commitment or technical skill.

How to tack a quilt

Tacking a quilt together is extremely simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. Cut your patchwork or pieced quilt top to size.
2. Place the backing fabric wrong side up on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Lay the batting piece on top of the backing fabric. Make sure to overlap all edges by at least 1-2 inches.
4. Place the quilt top right side up on the batting layer, aligning the edges.
5. Start tacking the layers together with straight pins or carpet tacks inserted at random angles around the quilt.
6. Continue tacking over the entire surface, spacing pins about 4-6 inches apart.
7. Fold in the edges and use pins or blanket stitch tofinish the raw edges.

And that’s it! Your rustic tacked quilt is complete. Pretty awesome, right?

Tacking tips and tricks

Here are some additional tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• For thicker fabrics and batting, use carpet tacks which securely grip layers better than pins alone.
• Space tacks closer (2-4 inches) for quilts that will see heavy use and washing to prevent shifting.
• Only tack through the top layer for a less “busy” look on the backside. Or alternate front/back tacking.
• Weave tacks in and out at angles for extra stability rather than straight lines.
• Add density around edges and high-use areas like the center for reinforcement.
• Go back and fill in any sparse areas before washing can cause sagging.
• Use threads or ribbons to tack oddly shaped pieces for variety.

Variations on the tacked technique

While the basic tacked quilt involves just pinning the three layers together haphazardly, there are lots of creative variations:

• Loose grid: Place tacks in a very open grid pattern rather than true random placement
• Geometric zones: Tack sections within outlined shapesvlike circles or triangles
• Curved tacking: Follow gentle curved or wavy lines with tacks
• Embellished: Add beads, charms or other findings to decorated tacks
• Extended tacking: Leave long tails of yarn or ribbon trailing out for tassels

Get crafty with your tacking patterns to give each quilt its own unique handcrafted style.

Pros and cons of tacked quilts

No quilting technique is perfect, so here’s an honest assessment of tacked quilts pros and cons:

Pros:

• Quick to assemble
• Simple for beginners
• Rustic charm
• Inexpensive materials

Cons:

• Won’t last as long through washes as fully quilted
• May require retacking over time as pins loosen
• Surface won’t remain perfectly smooth
• Backside looks busy with many pins

So in summary, tacked quilts are ideal for occasional use but a fully quilted version will stand up better over the long haul. You’ll have to decide what level of durability you need.

Final thoughts

I hope this mega guide on tacked quilts answered all of your intentions and then some! The rustic charm of these casual quilts makes them a fun project for all skill levels. Feel free to experiment – there’s no wrong way to tack a quilt.

From my experience, making a few simple tacked quilts is a great way to learn basic quilting skills before moving on to more complex patterns. And don’t forget, a tacked quilt makes an amazing, thoughtful handmade gift too. Happy quilting!

Comparing Quilt Backings

FAQ

1. What is a tacked quilt?

   A tacked quilt, sometimes called a tied quilt, is a type of quilt where the quilt layers are loosely joined by knots of yarn or string that are threaded through the edges. This allows the layers to shift around a bit instead of being tightly secured.

2. When did tacked quilts become popular?

   Tacked quilts have been made for over 100 years, but saw a huge rise in popularity in the 1970s as a more casual, rustic alternative to traditional quilt styles. They became a sorta hippie-inspired folk art that basically everyone was trying.

3. How are tacked quilts put together?

   First, the quilt layers – typically a pieced top, batting, and back – are layered and tacked together every 4-6 inches around the edges with yarn or heavy thread. Knots are tied on the front and back to hold. Sometimes quilting stitches are also added within the layers for extra warmth and texture. It’s a quicker method than precision piecing or dense quilting!

4. What are the pros of tacked quilts?

   Tacked quilts are fast and loose compared to traditional quilting. You don’t need amazing sewing skills, and the improvised style allows mistakes to be hidden. They are also cozy without being too heavy like some quilts. On the other hand, they may require more frequent tacking or unravel over time with heavy use.

   

5. Do tacked quilts last as long as tied ones?

   Maybe not. The loose construction of tacked quilts means the layers have more room to shift around over time. The knots supporting them could potentially come untied with washings and years of use. Tied quilts, which use solid quilting stitches to fuse the layers together, should hold up better in the long run. But tacked quilts can still give decades of comfort if well-made!

6. What fabrics and batting work best for tacked quilts?

   Experts suggest using medium to heavy weight fabrics like flannel or linen for the quilt layers since lighter fabrics may stretch out of shape more readily. Batting that provides texture but isn’t super thick, like cotton or wool, allows the quilt to hang nicely without being too stiff. Natural fibers are your safest bet for durability.

7. Any tips for tacked quilt care?

   Be gentle when washing – a delicate or hand wash cycle is best. Try not to tug on the knots. Hang drying is preferable to put less stress on the seams. Check the tacking every year or so and retie loose knots to keep layers from shifting overmuch. With tender loving care, your tacked quilt could become an heirloom!