Mastering the Art: How To Perfectly Add a Stunning Border to Your Quilt

A quilt is more than just a piece of fabric stitched together. It is a labor of love, a work of art, and a cherished heirloom. One element that can elevate the beauty of a quilt is a border. Adding a border not only frames the design but also provides additional interest and dimension. However, if you are new to quilting, the idea of adding a border may seem daunting. But fear not, because in this article, we will guide you through the process of how to put a border on a quilt. Whether you are looking to add a traditional or modern touch, these tips and techniques will help you create a stunning border that will make your quilt truly stand out. So, grab your fabric and let’s get started on this exciting quilting journey!

Understanding Quilt Borders

When it comes to quilting, there are several elements that come into play in order to achieve a beautiful and polished final product. One of these elements is the quilt border. The border serves as a frame for the quilt, providing a finishing touch and enhancing its overall appearance. But beyond just being aesthetically appealing, borders also play a functional role in terms of stabilizing the quilt and providing structural support.

The Purpose of Quilt Borders

As mentioned before, borders serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose in quilting. From an aesthetic standpoint, they add visual interest and can tie together different elements of the quilt design. They can also provide contrast or complement the colors and patterns used in the main body of the quilt.

Functionally, borders help to stabilize the edges of the quilt and prevent distortion or stretching. This is especially important when it comes to machine quilting, as it helps to keep the layers in place while stitching. Borders also provide structural support, helping to keep the quilt squared and preventing any waves or curves along the edges.

Choosing Fabric for Borders

When choosing fabric for your quilt’s borders, there are a few important factors to consider. First, you want to make sure that the fabric is complementary to your main design. This can be achieved through color matching or using fabrics with similar patterns or motifs.

Secondly, you want to consider the scale of your border print or pattern. A large scale print may not be suitable for a narrow border as it may overpower the rest of the design. Similarly, a small scale print may get lost if used on a wide border.

Lastly, you should also take into account the weight and drape of your chosen fabric. Quilts with heavy borders may pull down on one end if hung on display or be too stiff when wrapped around oneself. On the other hand, thin or lightweight borders may not provide enough support to hold the quilt in shape.

How to Measure and Calculate Borders

Measuring and calculating borders can be a bit tricky, but it is essential to achieving a well-proportioned quilt. For starters, you want to measure your quilt top along the center in both the length and width directions. This will give you an accurate dimension of your quilt’s size.

Next, you need to determine how wide you want your border to be. The standard border width is 4-6 inches, but this can vary depending on your preferences and design. Once you have this measurement, add it twice to both the length and width measurements of your quilt top. This will give you the measurement for cutting your borders.

For example, if your quilt top is 50 inches wide and you want a 4-inch border on each side, your total measurement for cutting borders would be 58 inches (50 + 4 + 4).

Cutting Borders

Once you have calculated the measurements for cutting your borders, it’s time to actually cut them. To ensure that they are cut straight and accurately, use a rotary cutter and a clear quilting ruler. Place the fabric on a cutting mat, aligning the ruler on the designated measurement line.

Carefully use the rotary cutter to cut along the edge of the ruler. Repeat this process until you have enough strips to achieve your required border size.

Attaching Borders

Attaching borders may seem like a simple task, but it is crucial to do it correctly in order for them to lay flat and not create any puckering or rippling along the edges of your quilt. To begin with, make sure that all sides of your borders are pressed flat before attaching them.

Next, lay out your quilt top with wrong side up. Then, place your first border strip on one of the sides, right sides facing and aligning the raw edges. Pin in place if necessary. You can either sew these borders using a straight or a diagonal joint depending on your personal preference.

After attaching all four borders to your quilt, press them outwards and trim any excess fabric from the corners.

Mitred Quilt Borders

Rather than sewing straight joints for your borders, you can also create a more polished look by sewing mitred borders. To do this, start by measuring and cutting your border to the desired length, adding an extra ½ inch for seam allowance.

Lay out your quilt top with wrong side up again and lay the first border strip along one of the sides, right sides facing. Sew this border in place up until ¼ inch from the corner. Stop sewing and backstitch.

Fold back the border strip at a 45-degree angle, aligning it with the raw edges of both sides of your quilt top. Use a ruler to ensure that it is perfectly aligned and then mark a line with a pencil along where you will sew.

Next, sew along this marked line and trim off any excess fabric. Repeat this process for all remaining corners.

The Basics of Quilting and Borders

Quilting has been a treasured craft for centuries, and for good reason. The combination of fabric, thread, and creative expression is truly unmatched. A quilt is more than just a blanket; it tells a story and is a testament to the skill and dedication of the person who made it. One way to elevate your quilting skills is by adding a border to your quilt. A border not only adds visual interest but also helps to define the edges of your quilt. In this article, we will guide you through the process of putting a border on a quilt.

Gathering Supplies

Before you start working on your quilt border, it is essential to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need fabric for the border, coordinating thread, scissors or rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, pins, and an iron. Take some time to choose your border fabric carefully. Consider using a complementary color or pattern that will enhance the overall design of your quilt.

Measuring Your Quilt

The first step in adding a border is to measure your quilt accurately. Measure from edge to edge on each side of your quilt and record these measurements. If you’re using multiple borders or have intricate designs at each corner of the…quilt, take additional measurements for those areas as well.

Cutting Your Border Fabric

Using your recorded measurements, cut strips of fabric for your borders. Make sure that the length of each strip matches the measurement needed for that particular side of your quilt. You can either use scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat for this step.

Pinning and Sewing the Borders

Lay out your quilt top flat on a large surface like a table or floor. Start by pinning one end of the border strip to one end of your quilt. Be sure to line up the edges and use enough pins to keep the fabric in place. Sew along the pinned edge of your quilt, removing the pins as you go. Repeat this process for all sides of your quilt, adding each border strip as needed.

Joining Border Strips

If your quilt is larger than your border fabric, you will need to join multiple strips together to create one continuous piece. To do this, place two strips right sides together and sew them along one edge using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press the seam open and trim any excess fabric. Continue adding strips until you have reached the desired length for your border.

Adding Mitered Corners

Mitered corners give a smooth and professional finish to a quilt border. To create them, fold one corner of your border in half diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Then match this folded edge with the side strip of your quilt top and pin it in place. Sew along this diagonal edge, starting at the outer corner and ending at the point where it meets the previously sewn…side seam. Trim any excess fabric and press open.

Finishing Touches

Once you have attached all of your border strips and mitered the corners, press all seams open using an iron on a low heat setting. This will give your borders a clean and crisp look. If desired, you can add additional embellishments such as piping or ruffles to further enhance your borders.

Finding Inspiration

There are countless ideas and techniques for creating beautiful borders on quilts. Seek inspiration from online tutorials, books, or attend quilting workshops to learn new methods and styles. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different fabrics and designs.

Adding a border is a great way to add the perfect finishing touch to your quilt. By following these steps and using your creativity, you can create a border that complements your quilt and makes it truly unique. With practice, you will become a master at adding borders to your quilts, elevating them to works of art. So go ahead and put that border on your quilt with confidence and enjoy the beautiful, finished result. Happy quilting!

Q: What is the purpose of putting a border on a quilt?

A: The main purpose of adding a border to a quilt is to frame the design and provide a finished look. It also adds stability and strength to the edges of the quilt.

Q: Do I need any special tools or materials to put a border on my quilt?

A: Yes, you will need fabric for the border, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine. It is recommended to also have a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat for precise measurements and cuts.

Q: How do I determine the size of the border for my quilt?

A: The general rule of thumb is to add ¼ inch seam allowance to each side of your desired finished border width. For example, if you want a 3-inch finished border, cut your fabric strips at 3 ½ inches.

Q: Should I prewash my fabric before adding a border?

A: It is best to prewash your fabric before cutting and sewing it onto your quilt. This will prevent any shrinkage or discoloration when washing the finished quilt.

Q: How do I attach the borders to my quilt?

A: Start by sewing one border strip onto one side of the quilt top, right sides together. Then sew the second strip onto the opposite side. Repeat for the remaining two sides. Finally, press all seams towards the borders.

Q: How do I miter the corners when adding borders?

A: To create mitered corners, fold one border strip over at a 45-degree angle towards the corner of the quilt top. Then fold it back down towards the next side of fabric. Repeat on all four corners before sewing on your final two borders as usual.

In conclusion, adding a border to a quilt is a simple yet crucial step in the quilting process. It not only adds aesthetic value to the quilt, but also provides structural support and helps to properly finish the edges. To successfully put a border on a quilt, it is important to choose the right fabric, measure accurately, and sew with precision.

Choosing the right fabric for the border can make or break the overall look of the quilt. Quilters should consider factors such as color, pattern, and texture when selecting border fabric.

Accurate measurements are essential in achieving a neat and professional-looking border. Taking into account seam allowances and accounting for any potential shrinkage of fabrics is crucial in ensuring that the borders fit perfectly.

Sewing with precision is also key in creating a well-crafted quilt border. This includes using sharp needles, sewing straight lines, and properly pressing seams.

It is important for quilters to experiment with different techniques and designs for adding borders to their quilts. They can use contrast fabrics or incorporate piecing methods such as mitered corners or scalloped edges to add interest and creativity to their quilts.

In summary, adding borders may seem like a simple step in quilt-making but it plays an integral role in creating a polished and complete final product

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.