sustraley

If I want to make a nice border like some I see here (piano key, flying geese, etc), something besides plain fabric strips, how in the world do I measure to get them to be even on each side of the quilt? I have never been taught this. I have tried to read things on line but can not wrap my little brain around it. Any suggestions will be sooooo appreciated.

ManiacQuilter2

Usually an inside border needs to be attached to the quilt so that the number of units (width of a piano keys) can be divisible evenly by the length of the border. I might start out with something simple like the piano keys.

PaperPrincess

Get the "Border Workbook" by Janet Kime. You can get a used copy reasonably priced on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...qid=1425853218
She has patterns for lots of pieced borders and instructions on how to make them fit your quilt perfectly.

katier825

I have done a few quilts with piano key borders. I love the look!

Usually I am not working with a pattern. I like to work with even measurements, so what I do is to measure the center part of my quilt. If the number is odd or fractions, I work out on paper what measurement would give me a nice round number say 3-5" more than the center (finished size) and I adjust the size of my inner border to get me to that point. You can always make it a little bigger, then trim it down if you need to.

Mostly I have 2-1/2" strips that I am working with and I will either strip piece them, then cut into segments the width of my border (plus seam allowances), or if they are a bunch of scraps, I'll just assemble a bunch, then trim them down to the width I want after. I like to do segments that are 10" finished, so 5 strips. It's easy to calculate how many I have vs. how many I need. When I get the majority of a piece done for a side, if I have to add a few strips to make it the right size it's easy. For starters, it might be easier for you to use a corner stone rather than miter the corner. If you are off a tad, use a slightly wider/narrower strip and it won't be noticeable. Another option is to use random size strips. Then you can adjust much easier when you get to the end. I recommend stay stitching around the piano key border when you are done so it doesn't start to unravel.

If you have a particular quilt in mind that you want to add a piano key border to and need help with the math, give a shout.

sustraley

thank you for the help

Tartan

I work out my border as close as I can. Sonetimes a pattern just isn't divisable to work out perfectly on all sides and the corners. In this case, I get it as close as possible and put a cheater strip/border between the pieced border and the quilt.