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How to Quilt>borders on a quilt
Quilt Borders
As you begin your first quilt project, you will likely spend a lot of time selecting fabrics, then quilt patterns. Another thing you need to consider early on is whether or not your quilt will have a border. Simple ways to finish out a quilt are to simply add a store bought binding to the edges or to fold the back over to the front of the quilt and make a self binding sort of edge. But sometimes these looks just aren’t right. Sometimes you really need to add a border to a quilt. Sometimes the need for a border is simply for the aesthetics. Other times, it is out of necessity. Perhaps the finished project is a little short for the bed covering you wanted to use it for. Adding a border can be your solution! In quilting, there are five basic kinds of borders. The straight border is easy. The border for the top and bottom are cut at the same length. Then, both sides are cut to the same length. When sewn to the edges of your quilt, they square up the quilt. Many quilters choose coordinating prints or solids for this type of border. If they use the same fabric from inside the quilt block, it is called a floating border. Since the border fabric is the same as the interior of the quilt block, it creates a “floating” effect, like the blocks are floating in the middle of the quilt. If your quilt will have sashing between the quilt blocks, you might choose to create a sashed border for the quilt. As you know, the sashing connects the blocks. A sashed border, then, would repeat the sash pattern around the outer edges of the quilt top. Scalloped borders are very pretty and add an interesting visual element to quilts. These take a little practice and will be best accomplished after completing a quilt project or two. That’s not to say that beginners can’t master them, but they do tend to frustrate quilters who are just starting out and who are eager to complete a first quilt. Mitered corners tend to perplex new quilters, but this final style of border shouldn’t be feared. A mitered border simply means that the borders meet in each corner to form a 90 degree angle. That means that each mitered corner piece is a 45 degree angle. Since most picture frames have mitered corners, it is easy to remember that mitered borders create a frame for the quilt. In the case of mitered corners and straight borders, you might decide to create some extra piecing work from which to construct your quilt border. Use fabrics from your quilt top and other coordinating colors and prints as needed to piece together strips to use for your quilt borders. There are other kinds of borders. Some add dimension and depth by adding piping. Some combine several different border styles for a truly unique look. Your quilt may not even need a border. It is best to consider borders as you begin planning your project. Planning for a border keeps your finished quilt project looking planned and organized rather than random and thrown together. If you are convinced that your quilt needs a border and are not sure which to select, ask a quilting friend for help. You might even enlist the opinion of a fabric store clerk. When in doubt, remember that the straight border is super easy and, although the mitered border takes a little time, it is doable and generally worth the effort if you have just a little patience!
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren www.How-to-Quilt.com
©2010, Penny Halgren This article courtesy of http://www.How-To-Quilt.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
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