Why Quilt Borders Matter
Adding borders to a quilt isn’t just about size or structure—it’s about style. The right border can enhance your quilt’s design, draw attention to the central pattern, and create balance. It’s your chance to make a statement! Whether you prefer a simple solid border or something more intricate like pieced borders, there’s a lot of creative freedom here.
Borders also help protect the edges of your quilt from wear and tear. Over time, the edges of a quilt tend to be more vulnerable, so a strong, well-constructed border adds durability to your piece.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
One of the most common mistakes quilters make is simply cutting a strip of fabric and sewing it along the edge of their quilt, leaving a tail at the end, and then whacking it off with a ruler. This is going to give you very wavy borders that will not end up looking right when it is quilted. But here’s the trick—measure your quilt properly before you cut the fabric for the borders. Take three measurements: across the center, across the top, and across the bottom. Average those three measurements (because they may be off by a smidge if your piecing isn’t perfect and really, who’s is??) Then cut your fabric to the length of that average. Pin and sew to quilt. Then repeat the process for the sides: measure through center, along right side, and along left side. Average the length to cut the strip, cut it, pin it, and sew it. This ensures that your borders will fit snugly and lay flat, giving your quilt a crisp, professional look.
For the record, it doesn’t matter if you add top and bottom borders before side borders, or vice versa. It is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to what is sewn on first.
Pinning for Precision
Once you’ve cut your borders, don’t skip the pinning step! Even if you’ve measured accurately, fabric can stretch or shift as you sew. Pinning helps prevent puckering and ensures the border fabric is evenly distributed across your quilt. It’s a good idea to pin at regular intervals, starting with the ends and the middle, then pinning between those points. This keeps everything aligned and helps avoid any surprises when you sew your borders on. Honestly, the more pinning, the better! This ensures practically perfect borders!
Keep It Smooth
Finally, take your time when sewing the borders onto the quilt top. Using an even feed and a consistent seam allowance will help keep your borders straight and your corners sharp. It’s always worth checking your work after sewing a section to make sure everything is smooth and laying flat.
Borders are the perfect finishing touch, but they deserve the same care and attention as the rest of your quilt. By measuring carefully, pinning consistently, and sewing with precision, you’ll achieve borders that frame your quilt beautifully.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on how to cut and attach borders perfectly, check out this tutorial below. Happy quilting!
Final Thoughts
Quilt borders are more than just an afterthought—they’re an opportunity to elevate your quilt design and give it that finished, professional look. Whether you go simple or elaborate, take the time to choose and construct your borders carefully. The effort will be well worth it when you step back and see how it transforms your quilt.
Ready to get started? Check out Missouri Star Quilt Co. for all your border and binding needs, from pre-cut fabric strips to tutorials on mitered corners. Happy quilting, friends!
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