Calculating sizes of borders?

[Judy M.]

Has anybody got any links at all that would help me with working out the sizes to cut borders? I can't get my head around adding 1/4" s to all four measurements? Thanks!

[Beth A.]

Forget adding numbers and 1/4 inches!!

I just make sure I buy enough fabric, and then, I cut generous strips of fabric in the proper width, which is the width I want plus 1/2 inch.

I straighten one end of the border pieces and then lay my border pieces one on top of each other down on the center of the quilt. I carefully line up one end with the edge of the quilt and leave the other end extending over the opposite edge, under which I place a small cutting board. I then use my rotary cutter and ruler to cut the border fabric even with the end of the middle of the quilt. I never even know the numerical value of that number. (I just CANNOT remember numbers!)

I have made some pretty great quilts this way, and if you are careful about laying down the quilt and the border pieces, it is VERY accurate.

I first saw this method on TV being used by a famous quilter whose name I have forgotten, and if it is good enough for her, it's good enough for me!

BethMI

[Judy M.]

Great instructions, Beth! Measuring down and across the middle is something I've done for many years, but I just recently read about laying the border fabric down and across the middle and cutting it. I'm going to try that next time--I can't remember numbers, either, and I always have to write the measurements down. This will eliminate the tape measure step! Judy in Torrance

[Judy M.]

Thanks both of you - much easier than working out what the measurments should be!!. Jacky :lol:

[Margo C.]

The method that Beth describes is my absolute favorite. No numbers to deal with!

[Mandella E.]

I love it here, you learn something new every day. Thanks.