I'm new to longarm quilting, and I have done two "practice quilts." But, I need some tips as to how you keep your borders...especially on the side borders, to keep from "ruffling".... I have my grips on good and tight...have tried basting down the sides, etc....but I still get "ruffling"....Tell me what I need to do. BTW, I did one practice, with meandering, and I am so proud of that!! But, I don't think I will ever be able to do a straight line ! Oh My what a wobbly mess!!

I have been doing longarm quilting since 2002 and you get ruffles or waves in the border when it hasn't been put on correctly. Way too many people just sew a piece of fabric for the border. The correct way is to measure through the center and on each outside edge and then average the 3 measurements. Pin in the center, both ends and some more evenly spaced across the length or width before sewing the border on. This should be done for both ends and if there is more than one border on each side it should be done for each border. I can always tell when people have done it correctly, no fighting to try to quilt without waves or ripples.

This may sound like a lot of extra work when you can just sew a strip of fabric on but believe me it is worth it when you see the results.

Longarm

I guess I should have said on all four sides for each border.

Longarm

thanks, longarm....I have read this tip several times, and just didn't take the time to do it. Believe me.....I will from now on.