Expert Tips: Adding a Stunning Border to Your Finished Quilt

Quilting is a beloved craft that has been passed down for generations, creating beautiful and cherished pieces to be treasured for years to come. One way to elevate the look of a finished quilt is by adding a border. This simple yet impactful addition can bring the entire piece together and make it truly stand out. However, if you’re new to quilting, adding a border may seem daunting or intimidating. Fear not, as in this article we will guide you through the process of adding a border to a finished quilt, step-by-step. Regardless of your experience level, this article will provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks to create a stunning and professional-looking quilt that you can be proud of. So gather your materials and let’s get started on learning how to add a border to a finished quilt!

Quilting has been a beloved pastime for generations, and with good reason. This craft allows you to express your creativity and create beautiful pieces of artwork that can be both functional and decorative. One key element of a quilt is the border, which frames the entire piece and adds the finishing touch. Adding a border to a finished quilt may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and effectively. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about how to add a border to your finished quilt.

Choosing the Right Border Fabric

The first step in adding a border to your finished quilt is selecting the right fabric. This may seem like a simple task, but it requires careful consideration. The fabric you choose for your border should complement the colors and patterns in your quilt without overwhelming or overpowering them.

When selecting your border fabric, consider the style of your quilt. Is it traditional or modern? Will you be using solid colors or patterns? These factors will help determine what type of fabric will work best for your border.

Next, think about the width of your border. A wider border can add impact and make a statement while a narrower one can create a more delicate look. Keep in mind that adding multiple borders can also create an interesting effect.

Lastly, consider the weight and texture of your chosen fabric. A lightweight cotton is suitable for most quilts, but if you have used heavier fabrics in your quilt top, match the weight for consistency.

Measuring and Cutting Your Border Fabric

Once you have selected your border fabric, it’s time to measure and cut it to size. For accuracy, it’s recommended to use a rotary cutter, clear ruler, and self-healing mat for this step.

Measure each side of your quilt separately as there may be slight variations in length. Add the desired border width to each measurement and cut your fabric accordingly. If you are using multiple borders, measure and cut each border one at a time, starting with the innermost one.

Pinning and Sewing the Border

Before sewing, it’s important to pin your border fabric in place. This will help prevent shifting and ensure that your border is attached evenly.

Start by laying your quilt top flat, right side up. Then place your border fabric on top, right sides together. Align the raw edges and pin them in place every few inches.

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the borders onto each side of your quilt top, removing pins as you go. Take care to keep your seams straight and evenly spaced.

If you are adding multiple borders, repeat this process for each one until all borders have been attached.

Pressing the Border

Once your borders have been sewn on, it’s essential to press them before moving on to the next step. Pressing helps to flatten out any wrinkles or creases and gives a professional finish to your quilt.

Lay a pressing cloth over your quilt top to protect it from any direct heat. Then use an iron set to a medium heat setting to gently press along the seams of each border until they lie flat.

Mitered Corners

To give your corners a neat and tidy finish, you can use a mitered corner technique. To do this, fold one edge of the corner in diagonally until it meets with the adjoining edge. Press along this diagonal fold line and then unfold it again.

Next, fold in each edge of the corner inward towards where they meet at the diagonal fold line. Fold along that line once again and press firmly with an iron. Unfold once more, and you should have a perfect mitered corner ready to be sewn down.

Completing the Border

The final step in adding a border to your finished quilt is sewing down the edges. Fold your border fabric over the raw edge of your quilt top and pin it in place.

Using a matching thread, hand or machine stitch the border in place, making sure to catch both sides of the fabric. Continue this process for all four sides of your quilt, and you’re done!

Adding a border to a finished quilt may seem like an intimidating task, but with these steps, it can be done easily and successfully. Remember to choose your fabric wisely, measure and cut accurately, pin and sew carefully, press for a professional finish, and use mitered corners for a clean look. With these tips in mind, you’ll have a beautiful quilt with stunning borders in no time! Happy quilting!

The Importance of Adding a Border to a Finished Quilt

Finishing a quilt with a border is the final step in creating a beautiful and complete piece of textile art. Not only does it add visual interest and enhance the overall design, but it also serves practical purposes such as stabilizing the quilt, providing additional structure, and protecting the edges from wear and tear. Additionally, adding a border can give you the opportunity to incorporate unique elements and personalize your quilt. In this guide, we will discuss the different aspects of adding a border to a finished quilt and provide you with helpful tips for achieving a professional and polished result.

Choosing the Right Type of Border

The first step in adding a border to your finished quilt is determining what type of border you want to use. There are several options available, including pieced borders, applique borders, plain borders, and scalloped borders. The choice will depend on the design of your quilt and your personal preference.

Pieced borders involve sewing together smaller pieces of fabric to create one larger strip that will be attached to the edge of the quilt. This method is great for adding depth and interest to your quilt design. Applique borders, on the other hand, involve attaching fabric shapes or designs onto the border strip using sewing or fusible webbing techniques. This technique allows for more intricate designs and can add texture and dimension to your finished quilt.

If you prefer a simpler look, plain borders can be added using one solid piece of fabric. This method works well for showcasing intricate quilting patterns or highlighting special fabric prints. Lastly, scalloped borders create a unique look by cutting out curved edges along the border instead of keeping them straight.

Selecting Fabric for Your Border

Once you have decided on the type of border you want to add to your finished quilt, it’s time to choose the fabric. When selecting fabric for your border, consider the overall color scheme of your quilt and choose a fabric that complements or contrasts with it. It’s also important to pay attention to the scale of the print on the fabric, as you want it to be proportional to the size of your quilt.

You may also want to consider using the same fabrics that were used in your quilt top for a cohesive look. However, using a different but coordinating fabric can add interest and break up any visual monotony. Remember to prewash your border fabric before cutting and attaching it to your quilt to avoid any shrinkage or bleeding of colors.

Measuring and Cutting Your Border

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to measuring and cutting your border strips. Before cutting into your border fabric, make sure you have measured the length and width of your quilt correctly. To determine the length of each strip, take into account any seam allowances and add an extra ½ inch at each end for seam allowance when sewing them together.

For a straight edge border, cut strips along the lengthwise grain, making sure they are at least 3 inches longer than needed. If you are using a pieced border, be mindful of matching seams and points for a perfect finish.

When cutting scalloped borders, there are special tools available such as templates or rulers that can help achieve precise curves. Take your time when cutting scallops as any mistakes can be difficult to correct later on.

Attaching Your Border

Once all your border strips have been cut, it’s time to attach them to your finished quilt. Begin by sewing one strip at a time along one side of the quilt, starting at least ¼ inch from the edge. Be sure to line up both raw edges before sewing, using pins or clips if necessary.

When piecing together multiple strips for a longer border, trim the extra seam allowance at the end of each strip, ensuring that it doesn’t overlap with the next strip. This will help reduce bulkiness and achieve a flat and smooth result. Repeat this process for each side of the quilt, making sure to press seams open or to one side as indicated in your quilt pattern.

Finishing Touches

After attaching your border, you may want to consider adding a final layer of batting or a backing fabric to complete your quilt sandwich before quilting and binding. If your border fabric has a lot of movement and may shift during quilting, you can also use fusible webbing or temporary spray adhesive to hold it in place.

Once your quilt is layered, quilted, and bound, give it a final press with an iron to get rid of any wrinkles and creases. Take this opportunity to check for any loose threads or stitching mistakes that may need correcting.

Adding a border to a finished quilt is not only important aesthetically but also serves functional purposes. It’s essential to choose the right type of border and fabric that complements your quilt design and accurately measure and cut each strip. Take your time when sewing them on and always press seams for a professional finish.

1. How do I choose the right border for my finished quilt?

When selecting a border for your finished quilt, consider the overall design and color scheme of your quilt. Choose a border that complements the colors and adds to the overall aesthetic. You can also choose a border based on the type of quilting you have done or opt for a simple solid color to frame your quilt.

2. What is the best way to measure and cut a border for my quilt?

Measure each side of your quilt separately and add 1/4 inch to each measurement for seam allowance. Cut your borders accordingly, making sure they are equal in length and width. If your quilt has curved edges, it is best to use a bias-cut border to prevent any warping or bunching.

3. How do I attach the border to my finished quilt?

Start by sewing the two shorter borders onto opposite sides of the quilt with right sides together, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press outwards towards the borders and then repeat with the longer borders on the remaining sides. Finally, trim any excess fabric and press again before attaching it to your quilt.

4. Can I add multiple borders to my finished quilt?

Absolutely! Adding multiple borders can create a more dynamic look for your finished quilt. Just remember to sew them in order from smallest (closest to center) to largest (outermost) border, and press after each addition.

5. What should I do if my border doesn’t lie flat after attaching it?

If you notice any wrinkles or puckering in your border, gently steam press it before sewing it on again. You can also try using pins or basting stitches before sewing on the final stitch line.

6. How do I finish the corners of my border?

To create neat and professional-looking corners, fold the border in half diagonally and sew along the diagonal line. Then trim off any excess fabric and press down the seam allowance towards the main quilt. Finally, sew the borders together on either side of the corner to seal it off.

In conclusion, adding a border to a finished quilt is a simple but important step in the quilting process. A border not only adds a decorative touch to the quilt but also serves as a practical aspect by providing stability and framing the design of the quilt.

The process of adding a border involves selecting the right fabric, measuring and cutting accurately, and properly sewing it onto the quilt. Choosing fabrics that complement the overall design of the quilt is crucial in creating a cohesive and visually appealing finished product. Accurate measurements and clean cuts are essential to ensure that the border fits perfectly onto the quilt. And finally, using proper techniques such as pressing seams, mitering corners, and neatly aligning borders is crucial for a professional-looking finish.

With careful attention to detail, patience, and practice, anyone can successfully add a border to their finished quilt. It may seem like an intimidating task for beginners, but with each completed project, one becomes more confident in their skills. Moreover, experimenting with different patterns and techniques can lead to unique borders that add character to each individual quilt.

Adding a border to a finished quilt is not just about creating a visually appealing piece of artwork; it is also about preserving its quality and longevity. Borders provide stability and prevent fraying or distortion over time.

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.