Need Border Tips

[Robin G.]

I want to put a simple border on my quilt but the last time I did this the border rippled and waved. I am unsure of why the border did this. I usually measure the quilt on the width and length in the center and both ends while the quilt lays on a flat surface. I then take the average of the measurements to cut my borders. I use lengthwise cuts for borders, I think they are more stable when the fabric is cut lengthwise. I try to be very accurate when sewing on the borders matching center of the quilt and border and at the quarter and the ends. I usually measure and recheck several times.

http://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpres...ilt-from-hexx/

I am going to put a one inch border to off set the blocks then add an outer border of about 6 to 8 inches. To my amazement this quilt is accurate and absolutely square at 83 inches length and width. It will be KING SIZE when I finish.

Any tips you can give me would be appreciated.
Thank you.



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[Margo C.]

If you have measured for the length and width of your borders through the center of the quilt, and have cut your fabric on the straight of grain and it still appears full, you can probably block the finished quilt (if you can find room to spread out a king size!) and it should come out flat and square.

I don't know why that sometimes happens. Anyone else have some ideas????? :?

[Margo C.]

Hum! The only thing I can think of is maybe your strip has a slight V in it from the folds.

[Margo C.]

Sounds like you have the bases covered. I use the same method. When I have had a lettuce border it is my math gremlins playing tricks on me and I didn't take the time to lay the border on the stretched out top to double check that both are indeed the same length. I also pin considerably more after I have the dividing points pinned. Just for the record, I am a quilter known NOT to pin. This is where I really make an exception.

Another thought: Your lengthwise fabric is very stable but your pieced top is often not as stable. For the most accurate matching the less stable piece should be to the feed dogs. This would mean that your border is facing you and then you have to keep checking as you sew that your seams don't flip over. I know this is contrary to many instructions.

BTW--It is a gorgeous top. Love the setting with the two different shades.

[Eileen K.]

I measure the same way you do but when I'm pinning the border on, I start pinning from the center out and I pin the daylights out of it. I agree with having the least stable on the feed dogs as well. It could also be that your machine isn't feeding it through evenly. Do you have a built in walking foot? If not, try putting the walking foot for your machine on and then do the borders-it should feed more evenly that way.
Hope this helps,