Best Way to Add Borders to Quilts
#61
"OCD" Obessive/Compulsive Disorder
I measure the center length (or more depending on size of quilt) and the cut my side borders first, and then measure the width in the center after the sides are sewn on. Much better borders for me doing it that way.
I measure the center length (or more depending on size of quilt) and the cut my side borders first, and then measure the width in the center after the sides are sewn on. Much better borders for me doing it that way.
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
Unless your quilt is really square, tearing a strip and sewing it on and then cutting off the excess may result in a skewed quilt, or as some have said, wavy borders. I'd say that those of you who do this successfully are very careful sewers, your quilts are even, and that's why it works for you.
#63
#64
I usually take the 3 measurements and then get an average. However this doesn't really work when doing mitered corners which I did on my last quilt a few weeks ago. I laid it out after finishing the top and realized that a couple of corners looked puckery so I took another seam on the mitered corner to straighten it out. My quilter called me today to tell me that, even though it quilted fine, that she figured out that the borders were actually a little tight for the quilt, which means that I probably shouldn't have taken the extra little tuck in the miter. Oh well, live and learn.
#66
I do it the same way. I never have problems with a wavy border.
When I add a border to a quilt, I just cut a strip of fabric longer than the quilt, sew it to the quilt and then cut off the excess. I know many people measure the quilt in a couple different places, take the average, and cut the border to that specification. Does it matter which way you do it? Is one a better method? (I don't want to say right or wrong!) Would love advice on which method produces a better quilt. Thanks
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,126
I do it this way as long as the quilt is relatively small. For longer quilts, I still cut a strip that is longer than the side/top/bottom of the quilt, but sew from the center to one end, then sew from the center to the other end.
So far, I've never had a problem with fluting. But that could change with the next quilt...
So far, I've never had a problem with fluting. But that could change with the next quilt...
#69
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: S. Texas
Posts: 2,337
You always sew with a relaxed bottom so if you have more fullness in the quilt side sew in the border side and if more fullness in the border sew on the quilt side. One exception is if your border is on straight grain sew on the border side.
#70
Any fullness eased in on the border guarantees they'll be wavy. "Easing" is basically a slight gather. Even slight gathering on the quilt side will guarantee tucks and fullness and mess on the binding side.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
copycat
Main
9
04-13-2016 11:51 AM
oklahomamom2
Main
10
02-21-2015 10:43 AM
Trisher
Main
73
01-13-2014 08:43 AM