Girlfriend

Hi, I am currently working on a Lynne Hagmeier and Jenny Doan quilt, "Twirls and Swirls".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcj9IHtwL_s

I want to add 2 borders, one thin (2" teal) and a (5 1/2") outside one. My question is, I went to measure to find out how long to make the inner first border, and my top is not perfectly square. The measurements are 58 3/4", 57 3/4", 58 3/4", and 58 1/2".

What measurement do I use? The smallest, the longest, or an average of all 4. If I do the latter, none of the lengths will be true and all 4 sides will have to be "eased" in.

OR, should I trim the top to 57 3/4" all the way around, since there is a little "play" at the outer edge of the top?

Thanks in advance, and here's a picture, because I know a lot of (us) like to see pictures!!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]508683[/ATTACH]

Prism99

For a quilt top of this size, I would simply measure through the middle and use that measurement to cut the first two borders. After sewing them on, I would measure through the middle again and use that measurement to cut the remaining two borders.

Once the first border is put on, I would follow the same procedure to add the second border.

What happens then is that you are stretching/easing sides to fit the borders, so that opposite sides end up being equal.

Girlfriend

Thank you Prism. You make is so simple and logical.

I was thinking in terms of making it perfectly square, all the way around. Now I see that it's not necessary.

Doggramma

Good advice from Prism. I think your quilt top is adorable.

Tartan

If it was my top, I would trim it to the 57 3/4 since you won't be cutting off any of the pattern. I like my quilt you to be as square as possible before adding borders. I find trying to ease in borders give me wavy borders when quilted.

juneayerza

No matter how you handle it, it is really a cute top.

ckcowl

You can sew your (2) borders together then add them as one unit instead of adding each one at a time. I would trim/ square up before adding the border if it were me, since its not huge, difficult. But taking the middle measurement & easing in the sides is an option. Nice quilt!

Gannyrosie

Prism's answer is how many on you tube describe, and I would also join the two borders 1st before adding. Love pinwheels, they are one of my fav's.

NJ Quilter

Especially sew your two borders together if you plan to do mitered borders. Much, much easier to do the miters that way! Very cute quilt and love your border choices.

QuiltnNan

normally, i'd say do what prism describes, but in the case of this quilt top, i believe tartan has a great idea for you