Attaching quilt borders

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ATTACHING BORDERS

After completing the pieced section of a quilt ‘toppers’ we are usually anxious to complete the quilt and see the end result of the work. However, a border that is not fitted correctly, either too long or too short, will most likely cause tucks or puckering during the quilting process. You could be left with an uneven, bumpy quilt or one with wavy edges. So it is advisable to take that little extra time and care to properly attach the borders to your quilt.

Borders need to be sized and cut after the main pieced work is completed rather than cutting to the measurements stated in the pattern. Kits which include pre-cut borders are not recommended.

To establish the length of top and lower borders, measure horizontally through the centre of the pieced section of your quilt, (from side to side). Then measure horizontally at the top edge and lower edge. If these three measurements are within ½" of one another, average them out and take that average measurement as the correct length of the top and lower borders.

If there is a difference between the three measurements greater than ½", you might want to revisit your piecing and make adjustments where necessary.

To establish the length of the side borders, measure vertically through the centre of the quilt and at the two side edges. If the established measurements again vary within ½”, repeat the averaging process. Then add twice the width of the border, subtracting seam allowances, ie if the width of the border is 4” cut then a measurement of 3 ¾” should be added.

Side Border equals - averaged measurement, less seam allowances (2 x ¼”), + 3 ¾” + 3 ¾”.

Notes:

- If the border design includes corner blocks, it won’t be necessary to twice add the width of the border.

- If the border is to be mitred at the corners, you will need to add twice the width of the border to all four strips

- Traditionally, the top and bottom borders are attached to a bed quilt first so that the longer side borders run along the sides of the bed. However, side borders can be attached first on a wall hanging.

Apply one border strip at a time. Pin-mark at halfway and quarter-way, along the cut border strips. Also pin-mark, halfway and quarter-way points along the edge of the quilt top.

With right sides together, lay one border on top of the quilt, matching the points. Sew the strip as pinned. Repeat on all side edges in the order you desire.

Helpful Hint: Sewing the borders to the pieced section of a quilt top, especially if it also is pieced, will be aided by the use of a walking foot installed on your sewing machine.

After sewing each section of the border, layout on an ironing table, press as sewn then flip border over and press open.

Happy quilting!

Last updated Monday, 27 August 2007

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