The Math is Making Me Crazy! Help!
 

I don't know why the math is such a struggle for me, but it is.

I am trying to add borders to this quilt. Because the borders are so wide, I can't afford to make the borders "wavy". (My LA gets very cranky).

The body width is 69 1/2 inches. I've added 8 1/2 inches borders to each side. Now I'm ready to measure and cut the other 2 sides of my square quilt.

How long do I make the new borders? My instinct is to add 69 1/2" plus 17" minus 1/2". Is that right?

Please help!

Thanks!

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I think that would be correct, but I'd probably cut longer and trim.

It's the finished width of the body (69) + finished width of the 2 added borders (8+8) + 1/2" x #seams (0) + 1/2"
69 + 16 + 1/2 = 85 1/2"

85 1/2" it is. Girlfriend, you need to subtract 1" (2 seams each 1/2"), not just 1/2".

Thank you Petthefabric! I came up with the same number, but differently. 69 1/2" plus 17" and I'm figuring minus the seams, which there are 4, so that would be 1 inch. = 85.5.

You figured the finished width, and finished borders, but why do you add "1/2 " x # of seams, = 1/2"?

Are you a math major? Do I need to take Geometry? LOL. I'm really trying to wrap my head around this, so I don't have to struggle so much every time I add borders.

OK I get that now. Thank you Irishrose!

I'm very good at math. Not bragging, it is what it is. The +1/2" is to make the finished measurements back to the unfinished cut size (outside seam allowances where the binding goes).

There aren't any seams to make (ie piecing the border) if cut all in one piece (length of fabric). Or you can piece it then cut the length, you don't need to figure the seams. Note: when I need to piece borders, I try to match the pattern and seam on the diaganol to minimize the appearance of the seam.

um, couldnt ya just use a tape measure and measure the side, add an inch to trim after the fact... :p no math needed

This is a good idea too.

Pet the fabric is right, but I just sew and cut, being lazy. If everything is pressed before you start and you don't allow any stretching, that works just fine.