Help - how wide to make the boarder strip
07-13-2015, 05:46 PM
#1
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Help - how wide to make the boarder strip
I made a quilt top that measures 64" wide by 88" long. I want to make it at least a queen which I think is 86 X 93 and I'd like it to fit more like a bedspread rather than a quilt top. My question is: I have 4 yards of the fabric I'd like to use for a boarder but I don't know how wide to make the boarder strip or how many of those strips I would be able to get out of 4 yards. If I don't have enough of this fabric to make it long enough I can always but a smaller boarder on after this one but again how wide should the boarder strips be. I hope you understand what I'm asking because I'm at a total lost. Thank you
07-13-2015, 06:18 PM
#2
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Location: RGV, Texas
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So, Shortcake, the top of a queen size mattress is usually 60 x 80. You need to decide how far you want the sides to drop (like a bedspread). When I add borders, I measure the length (93) and cut the width I need for each side. With 4 yards of fabric, you have enough to cut that length without having to piece it. Does that make sense? 4 yards is 144" in length.
Say you want the width to be 100", take 100 - 64 = 36 ÷ 2 = 18". Add 1/2" to each piece for seam allowances. So, you cut two pieces: 18 1/2" x 93". (Just remember that amount, 37", leaves only about 7" from the width of fabric.)
After you've made those calculations, then you can measure what you need for the top and bottom, or just the bottom, if that's the way you want it to look.
Measurements depend on the height of the bed you want to put it on.
I hope this has helped. Wish I could draw a picture for you!
Say you want the width to be 100", take 100 - 64 = 36 ÷ 2 = 18". Add 1/2" to each piece for seam allowances. So, you cut two pieces: 18 1/2" x 93". (Just remember that amount, 37", leaves only about 7" from the width of fabric.)
After you've made those calculations, then you can measure what you need for the top and bottom, or just the bottom, if that's the way you want it to look.
Measurements depend on the height of the bed you want to put it on.
I hope this has helped. Wish I could draw a picture for you!
07-14-2015, 03:32 AM
#5
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Location: Southern California
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As Merrylouw stated, you have to figure out the amount your want the sides to drop. I made a queen size quilt for a friend but ended up literally making a King size because she wanted the length of a bedspread.
07-14-2015, 07:46 AM
#6
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[QUOTE=merrylouw;7256116]So, Shortcake, the top of a queen size mattress is usually 60 x 80. You need to decide how far you want the sides to drop (like a bedspread). When I add borders, I measure the length (93) and cut the width I need for each side. With 4 yards of fabric, you have enough to cut that length without having to piece it. Does that make sense? 4 yards is 144" in length.
Merrylouw, I understand that I would need to cut two piece 18.5 X 93 for the width but I'm confused about what you mean when you tell me to "remember that only leave about 7" inches". Do you mean that after cutting those two strips I will only have 7" to add to the length? Also, 18 seems like an awfully wide boarder. I'm sorry I'm not understanding but I do appreciate you trying to explain it to me.
Say you want the width to be 100", take 100 - 64 = 36 ÷ 2 = 18". Add 1/2" to each piece for seam allowances. So, you cut two pieces: 18 1/2" x 93". (Just remember that amount, 37", leaves only about 7" from the width of fabric.)
Merrylouw, I understand that I would need to cut two piece 18.5 X 93 for the width but I'm confused about what you mean when you tell me to "remember that only leave about 7" inches". Do you mean that after cutting those two strips I will only have 7" to add to the length? Also, 18 seems like an awfully wide boarder. I'm sorry I'm not understanding but I do appreciate you trying to explain it to me.
Say you want the width to be 100", take 100 - 64 = 36 ÷ 2 = 18". Add 1/2" to each piece for seam allowances. So, you cut two pieces: 18 1/2" x 93". (Just remember that amount, 37", leaves only about 7" from the width of fabric.)
07-14-2015, 07:49 AM
#7
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ManiacQuilter2, I measured and I think I would like an additional 14 inches to the width and 9" for the length. Does that help?
07-14-2015, 03:42 PM
#8
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Location: RGV, Texas
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Sorry, Shortcake, sometimes I don't say everything I need to. Your fabric is 45" wide by 4 yards long (144"). So, if you cut two 18.5" strips from the width (total 37"), there's only 7" of usable fabric left of the width of fabric.
Another way to say it: you cut two strips 18.5" x 93, that totals 37" x 93", leaving a strip 7" x 93", plus the part of the length you haven't cut: 45" wide by 51" (144" minus 93").
Still clear as mud?!
Another way to say it: you cut two strips 18.5" x 93, that totals 37" x 93", leaving a strip 7" x 93", plus the part of the length you haven't cut: 45" wide by 51" (144" minus 93").
Still clear as mud?!
07-15-2015, 05:53 AM
#10
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Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,540
Shortcake, when you measured and decided you needed 14 inches more in width, was that TOTAL or 14 inches on each side?? And it is not necessary to cut your borders from the length of the fabric. If it is more economical to use the width of the fabric and piece the borders, do so. It certainly won't detract from your quilt UNLESS the fabric is directional.
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