measuring for border question
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,515
The only time I have a problem with wavy borders is when I cut the borders lengthwise of the fabric. Usually I lay a border strip on and sew it to the quilt top and keep the border taut while I sew. I then square up each end. I would never suggest anyone do this as most mess it up and then blame me.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
as someone that long arm quilts for others, you can tell who just sews and cuts borders to fit the quilt as is---if a quilt is not square. There is a good quick video on National Quilter's Society website right now that shows a quick way to square up a quilt and figure the borders. I say "no pleats" (which is what happens when you get those wavy borders)
#13
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
Eparys is correct. I measured 6" in from the edge and it is the same as the center. The stay stitch reduced the length of the border. That is why it doesn't match. So, I will cut some of the stitches of the stay stitching so that it will stretch come.
My favorite quote in the world is one my Dad attributed to my Grandfather, "Some people live and learn and some just live". I learned something here today. Thanks.
bkay
My favorite quote in the world is one my Dad attributed to my Grandfather, "Some people live and learn and some just live". I learned something here today. Thanks.
bkay
Last edited by bkay; 01-21-2020 at 07:19 PM. Reason: spelling
#14
Maybe take two or three - or four - measurements of the width ; take an average of those numbers - and use that number as the target length for the borders.
however, if one of those numbers is drastically differentt from the others - try to figure out why before proceeding.
however, if one of those numbers is drastically differentt from the others - try to figure out why before proceeding.
#15
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: River City, Orygun
Posts: 86
Joining on the bias edge (such as setting triangles) can cause a little trouble if not attended to. Stay stitching helps but as mentioned you want to avoid stretch as you sew. Even when stay stitched I pin the snot out of setting triangles unless- If I have fabric to burn I place the straight grain on the outer edge, and the bias edges are joined to the top itself.
Pieced borders (ex: piano keys or seminole pieced, etc) cause a different set of problems which are easily handled by improving techniques. The biggest problems with pieced borders is pattern matching at the corners.
Last edited by oldmanquilts; 01-22-2020 at 10:01 AM.