Instead of stitching, some quilts are tied together with yarn or thread at regular intervals and are referred to as comforters, says Mary Elizondo, co-manager of the Mennonite Quilt Center in Reedley, Calif. A special tool, a long-arm quilt machine, also can quickly and easily create the finishing designs on quilts. Not only can it cover more area on a quilt, it also has rails that roll the three layers (top, batting and backing) together, says Carolyn McCray, owner of Cottage Quilts in Fresno. If you don’t have a quilt, you can find one at many outlets, including specialty quilt stores, craft fairs and department stores. read more

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