MAKING AND ATTACHING BORDERS

Do not believe the old adage, "it will quilt out." It more than likely will quilt IN!

When loading the components of a quilt to a longarm machine, first the back is loaded. Next the batting is basted, across the top, to the backing. Then the quilt top is centered and basted at the top and down the sides as far as possible before advancing the quilt. As the quilt is advanced or rolled the basting down the sides is continued. Therefore, your quilt top must lie flat; otherwise puckers or pleats may be quilted into borders.

Do not cut the borders as sometimes directed in a pattern. The body of your quilt must be first pieced then measured for the border.

To make square borders and to prevent them from becoming WAVY:

1. We recommend that you cut your borders from the lengthwise grain of your fabric.

2. For side borders, it is generally recommended that you measure your quilt top body vertically down the center. However, we recommend that you measure in threes places and determine the average length. Cut two borders that length. Fold each border end to end 2 or 3 times (depending on the size of the quilt) and finger press the fold. Mark each fold with a pin. Fold the quilt top body the same way and finger press the fold at the edge. Mark each fold with a pin. Unfold both the top and borders. Matching the fold/pin marks, pin the border to the top, right sides together then stitch the borders to the top. You may need to ease in some fullness. Press the seam allowances, usually away from the center.

3. For top and bottom borders, follow the procedure above only take your measurements horizontally, including the side borders.

4. The above two steps can be done in reverse if you wish to apply your top and bottom borders before the side borders.

5. To miter corners, consult a quilting book.

6. If you have any questions or concerns about border attachments, please contact us.

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