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| Photos above © Jordan Fabrics |
Quilting is a beautiful art form that allows you to express your creativity and create something truly unique. One of the best ways to elevate the look of your quilt is by adding borders. Borders not only frame your quilt but also add a touch of personality and flair. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of adding both simple and fancy borders to your quilt, making it stand out and look professionally finished.
Why Add Borders to Your Quilt?
Borders serve several purposes in quilting. They can:
- Enhance the Design: Borders can complement the quilt’s central design, adding depth and interest.
- Adjust the Size: If your quilt is a bit smaller than you’d like, borders can help you achieve the desired dimensions.
- Frame the Quilt: Borders act as a frame, drawing the eye to the center of the quilt and giving it a polished look.
- Add a Personal Touch: Fancy borders allow you to incorporate additional colors, patterns, and textures, making your quilt truly one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, adding borders is a skill that’s easy to learn and can make a big difference in the final look of your quilt.
Step 1: Preparing Your Quilt for Borders
Before you start adding borders, ensure your quilt top is complete and ready for the next step. Here’s how to prepare:
- Measure Your Quilt: Measure the length and width of your quilt top. For example, if your quilt measures 39 inches by 58 inches, you’ll need to cut your borders to match these dimensions.
- Sketch Your Design: Make a quick sketch of your quilt and plan where you want to place your borders. Decide whether you want to add a single border or multiple borders for a layered effect.
- Choose Your Fabric: Select fabric that complements your quilt’s design. You can use solid colors, prints, or even scraps from your quilt top for a cohesive look.
Step 2: Adding a Plain Border
Adding a plain border is the foundation for any quilt border, whether simple or fancy. Here’s how to do it:
- Calculate the Border Length: For a quilt measuring 39 inches by 58 inches, you’ll need two borders cut to 58 inches (for the sides) and two borders cut to 42 inches (for the top and bottom, accounting for the added width of the side borders).
- Cut the Fabric: Cut your fabric into strips. For a narrow border, cut strips 2 inches wide. After sewing, the finished border will be 1.5 inches wide.
- Sew the Strips Together: If your fabric isn’t long enough, sew multiple strips together to achieve the required length. Press the seams flat to ensure a smooth finish.
- Attach the Borders: Pin the borders to the quilt, starting with the sides. Sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance, then press the seams outward. Repeat for the top and bottom borders.
Step 3: Creating a Fancy Diamond Border
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your quilt, try a diamond border. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Strips: Use jelly roll strips (2.5 inches wide) or cut your own strips from coordinating fabrics.
- Sew the Strips Together: Instead of aligning the strips at the top, offset them by 2 inches. This technique minimizes fabric waste and creates a diamond pattern when cut.
- Cut the Strips: Once sewn, cut the strip set diagonally at a 45-degree angle. Then, cut 2.5-inch strips from the diagonal piece to create diamond shapes.
- Sew the Diamonds Together: Align the diamond pieces carefully, ensuring the seams meet at a ¼-inch allowance. Press the seams flat.
- Attach the Border: Use the same method as the plain border to attach the diamond border to your quilt.
Step 4: Adding a Quarter-Square Triangle Border
Quarter-square triangles are another great way to add visual interest to your quilt borders. Here’s how to make them:
- Start with Squares: Use 5-inch charm squares or cut your own squares from fabric.
- Create Half-Square Triangles: Pair two squares of different colors, draw a diagonal line, and sew ¼ inch on either side of the line. Cut along the line and press open to create two half-square triangles.
- Make Quarter-Square Triangles: Pair two half-square triangles, draw a diagonal line in the opposite direction, and sew ¼ inch on either side. Cut along the line and press open to create a quarter-square triangle block.
- Sew the Blocks Together: Arrange the blocks in a pleasing pattern and sew them into a long strip. Attach the strip to your quilt using the same method as before.
Step 5: Creating an On-Point Square Border
For a modern twist, try an on-point square border. Here’s how:
- Cut Strips: Use jelly roll strips (2.5 inches wide) or cut your own strips from fabric.
- Sew Strips Together: Sew wider strips (3.5 inches wide) to either side of a jelly roll strip. Press the seams flat.
- Cut into Squares: Cut the strip set into 2.5-inch strips, then sew them together, offsetting each piece to create an on-point design.
- Attach the Border: Trim the edges to ensure a straight line, then attach the border to your quilt.
Tips for Adding Borders
- Avoid Stretching: When attaching borders, avoid stretching bias edges by pinning carefully and sewing with even tension.
- Press Seams Flat: Always press your seams flat to reduce bulk and ensure a smooth finish.
- Plan Ahead: If you’re adding multiple borders, plan the widths and colors in advance to create a cohesive design.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to add extra colors or fabrics that weren’t in the quilt top. This can make your borders pop!
Final Thoughts
Adding borders to your quilt is a fun and rewarding process that can transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you choose a simple plain border or a fancy diamond or quarter-square triangle border, the key is to take your time and enjoy the creative process. Borders not only enhance the design of your quilt but also give it a professional, finished look. Happy quilting!