| Applying Quilt Borders |
After the lengthy process of piecing a quilt, attaching a few strips of cloth for the borders seems like the easy part. However, improperly applied boarders can ruffle or sag, both of which will result in a lumpy surface, uneven edges, and sometimes even pleats when the binding is attached. The best result can be obtained by following this procedure: Measure the length of the quilt across the middle (not the edges!) in 3 places. Take the average of these measurements.
Cut two border strips to this measurement. Fold each strip in half and mark the center with a pin. Now fold the strip in half again and mark the half-way point between each edge and the center. When you unfold the strip it should have three pins marking it into equal quarters. Mark the side of the quilt into quarters with pins the same way. Pin the border to the quilt, matching each marker as well as the edges.
Sew, easing in any fullness. The easiest way to do this is to have the "baggy" side facing down. The feed dogs will take up the fullness.
Press towards the border.
Repeat for the top and bottom borders, measuring the quilt width in several places, averaging, and so on.
Your quilt should come out square and flat. If you use the services of a professional quilter, she will thank you! |
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| Copyright 2005 Flying Goose Custom Quilting. All Rights Reserved |
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