Green border

[Melanie A.]

Could you please tell me what strips are required for the green border for the quilt? I want to cut these before I cut the square for this month's block. Thank you

[Janet S.]

Do you mean the outer border with the stars and trees on it? It's actually a sky blue, but it might look different on your computer screen. If that's the one you are referring to, I tore 4 strips at 9 1/2" wide (they will be trimmed down later) by the length of the yardage, which is 2 1/2 yards. Hope that helps!

[Melanie A.]

So sorry believe I called it the wrong thing! I believe it is actually referred to as "flange". I read somewhere on an earlier post (which I cannot find now) that we are to have eight 2" cuts of the lime green. I need to know if these cuts are lengthwise or cut across. It may seem silly, but I ran very close in fabric for the light blue because I did not cut the lengthwise strips until I had cut out other things and I had a hard time getting the lengths needed for the border! Block of the month is so much fun but sometimes frustrating when getting to a later month and realizing probably should have done something a little different! Soooo, very long winded way of asking which way to cut the lime green!! Thanks for your help.

[Janet S.]

The fabric for the lime green flange should be torn into 8 - 2" strips lengthwise. Hope that helps!

[phyllis f.]

I just want to say I appreciate every one on this site for asking the question and to every one who take the time to answer this site has help me so much thank you

[Melanie A.]

Thanks so much for your help. Another question I have since we are to tear the strips. What is the best way to do this? I really have never torn fabric for strips rather than cutting them and find that when I do tear them the fabric tends to get "runs" in it (sideways). It also seems that the torn edges are very "crinkly". Am I doing something wrong or is this what you experience as well?? Thanks!

[Janet S.]

I make about a half inch cut with scissors at the end of the fabric, and then just tear. I think the crinkling depends on the fabric. I usually press and starch the strips after I tear them.

[Melanie A.]

Again, thank you!!

[Beth A.]

I have already starched the border and flange fabrics. Will that make it harder to tear them? If it doesn't, should I also starch them again after I tear them?

[Janet S.]

I have already starched the border and flange fabrics. Will that make it harder to tear them? If it doesn't, should I also starch them again after I tear them?

I don't think that would make a difference. And I would probably starch and press the strips after tearing. As far as I'm concerned, you can't starch too much.

[Beth A.]

Thank you Janet for such a prompt response. Will give it a try. Just like Casciamom above, I've never torn fabric before this so hope all goes well. Love all your helpful ways of doing things, it has made this BOM lots of fun.