Boarder Basics History Lesson Please
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: So Plymouth, NY
Posts: 2,502
Boarder Basics History Lesson Please
Happy Holidays Everyone! Have been quilting for more than 30 years but must have been missing from class the day this was discussed, if it ever was. Why is it, when boarders are added to a quilt that aren't long enough, it is suggested they be connected to each other diagonally? Is it supposed to make the quilt lay flatter maybe? Is it thought that a diagonal seam is less conspicuous? Maybe wear better? Seems like a decent amount of fabric gets wasted, especially if you are piecing together a wide boarder when you piece diagonally. Not exactly sure why I'm questioning it after all these years, but would appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Thanks.
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
I go with what looks best to my eyes. I don't care what the "right" way is for borders and ignore the quilt police. Sometimes I do straight joins, sometimes diagonal and sometimes I continue the blocks out to the borders to disguise a join.
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,371
I do it that way( I made this up on my own,so am not an 'expert') ,because the seam doesn't show as much,it looks more finished,and the seam doesn't have as much strain on it; quilt will not have to be repaired as soon.
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
i often cut my borders on the lengthwise grain-so they are long enough- if i do choose to piece a border it generally has a straight seam- not a diagonal one- i only use diagonal seams for bindings.
#6
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I agree some fabrics specifically the print dictates which seam will not be so conspicuous. The eye follows a straight line seam in a border , therefore more obvious . That being said its the fabric that indicates which seam will be more detectable.
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
I've never pieced a border with a diagonal seam. If I have to seam it, I place that seam where the seams between blocks already make the eye see a straight line. Until 18 months ago I had never heard that piecing a seam on the diagonal was "right", and I've been quilting, teaching, designing, etc. for over 30 years. When someone tells me that, I just answer, "Well as I wasn't invited to the committee making that decision, I'll pass on that "rule" thank you."
Jan in VA
Jan in VA
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