Jackietellijohn60

I am finishing up a quilt top and wish to add two borders plus binding. Is there a normal "rule of thumb" esthetically as to how to plan widths of borders? I assume the 1st, inner border should be wider than the next one out and then a normal binding. Any suggestions? Is there a ratio I should follow? I'm not worried about quilt police, but want it to look nice.

alisonquilts

I always use multiples of some measurement in the quilt. If the repeated block size is 3" I'd make my borders 1", or 1.5", or 3" or 6"...if the block size was 8" I'd use 1", or 2", or 4"... I prefer a narrow inner border, then wider, then binding, but you are absolutely right that it is totally a personal aesthetic decision! It is also easy enough to audition widths by laying the fabric(s) in question under the edge of your top and moving them around until you see a combination you like (remembering to allow for seam allowance when you cut the fabric).

In architecture and classical art "perfect" proportions conform to the Golden Mean, so if you are into math you could play around with that!!

Alison

Dina

It really is personal preference, but I tend to prefer a narrower inner border....say two inches (cut 2 1/2 inches to allow for 1/4 inch seams, and then a wider outer border...say 5 inches (cut 5 1/2 inches). I like to lay my fabric out and sort of "see how it looks." I just fold the border fabrics until it looks good to me.

No right or wrong, as you said. Just play with it a bit and see what you think.

Dina

mdall

I agree the posts above, I tend to go with smaller inner borders and then a wider outer border. I dont have a math system or anything I just try out different widths by folding the fabric next to it and then stepping back and see how it looks. Whatever I like I go with.

Jan in VA

I "audition" different fabrics and widths for my quilt borders. Different quilts "want" different looks, I think.

Jan in VA

mighty

I agree with Jan, I audition every quilt is different.

amelia0607

I'm new also but I tend to like the thinner border inside and the larger one on the outside. Please let us see it when you are done.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with Dina. Do what we call a preview. Lay your quilt top down somewhere that no creature will walk on it and start playing with different widths. When you see the right proportions that look pleasing to look at, then that is probably what you should go with. You can also check out various quilt books to see what you think look attractive.

quiltinghere

I audition the borders also - layout the quilt top and slide the different widths underneath - then step back.

Another thing to consider is the color of the borders. Something really bright and bold may POP off the quilt so be careful how big you make that color border.

Nan

RST

I prefer to do a very thin border, more like a flange, surrounding my pieced blocks -- often a contrasting color. This thin, bright pop of color creates a visual stop -- much like the thin edge of color on a matted and framed photo or print. Then I use a wider border, often with pieced or appliqued elements, since I am not a fan of big blank borders. The one exception would be when I plan to do some over the top quilting on the border-- then a wide and plain expanse works nicely. Most often I don't select my border until I have the quilt completed-- it's interesting how often my original idea for what might work is completely different from what I end up with. I also like to wait and see what works best as far as binding. In my opinion, poor binding choices are one of the most common problems-- I think a lot of us tend to bring in too many new and different elements with binding and borders -- lots of times, using a matched binding which will just disappear and not call attention to itself is a better way to go.