Adding Borders to a Quilt: Quilting Borders 101

• Informal
• Encouraging

Informal, Encouraging

So, you’ve finished piecing your quilt top, and now you’re thinking about adding borders to a quilt – awesome! Quilters Dream Batting is a popular choice among sewing enthusiasts because they say a border can either make or break a quilt, right? Adding that frame can seem tricky, but don’t sweat it! Think of your local quilt shop as your support system; they often have classes and can guide you through the process. Just picture Angela Walters, known for her machine quilting prowess, adding that perfect finishing touch; you can totally achieve similar results. Let’s dive into the basics and get you feeling confident about adding borders to your quilting project!

Adding Borders to a Quilt: Quilting Borders 101

So, you’ve finished your quilt top – congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment. Now, let’s talk about adding borders. Borders are like the frame around a picture; they can really make your quilt shine and give it that finished, polished look. Don’t worry if you’re new to this; we’re going to walk through it step-by-step!

Why Bother with Borders?

• Size Matters: Borders help you achieve your desired quilt size. Maybe your blocks were a little smaller than planned? Borders to the rescue!
• Squaring Up: Borders are fantastic for squaring up a quilt top that might be a little wonky. They act as a buffer and can hide those imperfections.
• Design Element: They’re a great way to add another design element, color, or fabric to your quilt. You can use them to complement the colors in your quilt or to add a pop of something completely different.
• Visual Rest: Sometimes, a busy quilt top needs a “rest” for the eye. A plain border can provide that calm space.

Planning Your Borders: The Key to Success

Before you even think about cutting fabric, let’s plan. This is where you decide what kind of borders you want and how wide they should be. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Measure, Measure, Measure: This is crucial! Measure your quilt top through the center both horizontally and vertically. Write these measurements down. Your quilt might not be perfectly square (and that’s okay!), so you’ll likely have slightly different measurements.
2. Border Width: Think about the overall look you’re going for. A narrow border (1-2 inches) is subtle, while a wider border (4+ inches) makes a bolder statement.
3. Number of Borders: Do you want a single border? A double border? Maybe even triple? Each adds a different level of complexity and visual interest.
4. Fabric Choice: Consider the color, pattern, and texture of your border fabric. Does it complement the quilt top? Does it add contrast?

Types of Borders: So Many Options!

Let’s explore some border styles:

• Straight Borders: These are the most common and easiest to sew. Just cut strips of fabric and attach them to the sides of your quilt.
• Mitered Borders: These create a clean, professional look at the corners. They require a bit more precision, but the results are worth it.
• Pieced Borders: Get creative with pieced borders! These can be made up of small blocks, triangles, or any other shapes you like.
• Scalloped Borders: For a softer, more decorative look, try a scalloped border.

Cutting and Sewing: Making it Happen

Okay, time to get down to business! This part is all about precision and accuracy. Let’s assume you are doing straight borders.

1. Cutting Your Border Strips:
   • Use the shortest measurement you took from your quilt top. This prevents wavy borders.
   • Cut two border strips to this length for the sides.
   • Add the width of the left and right border together, then add this amount to the quilt tops’ measurements. Now create your borders to that length for the top and bottom.
   • Cut two border strips to this length for the top and bottom.
   • Make sure to cut your borders the correct width you decided on earlier.
2. Sewing the Borders:
   • Pin, Pin, Pin: Pin the border strip to the quilt top, matching the center of the border to the center of the quilt top. Work outwards from the center, pinning every few inches. This helps distribute any fullness and prevent puckering.
   • Sew with a ¼ inch seam allowance: This is standard for quilting.
   • Press: After sewing each border, press the seam allowance *towards* the border. This helps the border lie flat.
3. Repeat for Top and Bottom:
   • Attach your top and bottom borders to the top and bottom of the quilt. Follow the steps above to pin, sew and press.

Troubleshooting Tips: Because Things Happen

Even with the best planning, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Problem	Solution
Wavy Borders	Make sure you used the shortest measurement and pinned well. If they are already attached, try easing in the fullness with steam and careful pressing. Sometimes a little strategic stretching can help.
Puckered Corners	Be sure to press your borders carefully. Sometimes a little water and heat can help soften the puckers!
Border Too Long or Short	If it’s just a little off, you can usually ease it in. If it’s significantly off, you might need to unpick the seam and recut the border strip.

Advanced Techniques: Level Up Your Borders

Once you’re comfortable with basic borders, try these advanced techniques:

• Multiple Borders: Combine different widths, colors, and patterns for a layered look.
• Cornerstones: Add small squares or rectangles to the corners of your borders for extra detail.
• Echo Borders: Repeat a fabric or pattern from the quilt top in the border.

Adding borders to your quilt can be a fun and rewarding process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. With a little planning and practice, you’ll be adding borders like a pro in no time! You’ve got this!

So, there you have it – the basics of adding borders to a quilt! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different widths, fabrics, and even multiple borders to create a truly unique finish. Happy quilting, and we can’t wait to see what beautiful borders you come up with!