Thread: Math will be the death of me...

Help!!!
I'm working on a quilt for my dad but I need to make it a bit bigger since he is tall. I've decided to add a scrappy border of 2.5" squares (same size as what's in the quilt) in between the suggested borders and that is where I'm getting stumped. Every time I think I've got it figured out I think of something else. I seriously abhorr math!
Here it goes:

Center area: 50" x 60" (finished measurements)
Border 1: (problem!!) 1.25" OR 2.5"
Border 2: 2.5" squares
Border 3: 4"

My problem is that I'd rather not have border 1 be the same width as border 2, although that would be easier. I then thought that if border 1 is half the width of border 2 that would work, yes? I'm scared to death to cut the fabric!

Assuming the 2.5" is the finished size ...


You can have the inner border at 1.5" and that would be 21 squares across the short edge and 25 squares down the long edge.

After that, you have your 2.5 blocks as a border.

For the next border ... you can make it any size you want. You are not constricted to matching this next border size to the size of your blocks (unless it is a pieced border). So you can make it 4" ... 8" ... whatever.

Wait!
Yes, 2.5" is the finished size so shouldn't border 1 be 1.25" not 1.5"?

Originally Posted by SeamRipper

Wait!
Yes, 2.5" is the finished size so shouldn't border 1 be 1.25" not 1.5"?

Yes, 1.25" finished. I think it was just a typo. 1.25" finished makes the math come out to 21 squares across the short edge and 25 squares down the long edge.
You weren't one of my high school math students who told me they would 'never use this stuff' were you?

THANK YOU!! That's what I thought but my brain kept lying to me that it wouldn't work. Argh!

I have no idea why my brain kept putting up blocks (no pun intended!). I don't like huge outer borders unless it's in a bed so I think keeping it to 4-5" will look good for a lap quilt.
Thanks again!

Thank you PaperPrincess!
HA! No! (My mom is a teacher, too) My brain goes into freak out mode and starts telling me lies when math is involved sometimes! There's a reason I married an accountant. I would have called him but he's not visual at all so wouldn't have understood my dilemma. Perfect match, eh? LOL

Now I can cut my fabric with confidence! (whew)

You could also sew your border 2 squares together and measure the length you like, then sew a floating border around the center. If you are interested let me know and I will give you the formula.

Got it!! I did the 1.25" border. Oddly enough I had to add 2 squares on each short side. Math is weird. Now I just need to track down a good homespun plaid for the final border and then this puppy is ready for the frame!
Thanks again for your help...y'all rock!