J.M.

I just have a quick question about taking measurements for a quilt border. I know that I need to measure through the middle and take that size to cut my border. But do I use that size for both the left and the right side border (lenghtwise) or do I attach one side and measure through the middle again?

auntpiggylpn

Here is a video by Penny Halgren. She does a good job explaining the task! http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=JhRzG...%3DJhRzGr93WIo

J.M.

For some reason, that video does not work for me

cabbagepatchkid

Yes, use that one measurement for both sides. After you attach the side borders then measure for the top and bottom borders by measuring through the middle, again, but this time measure through the middle horizontally.

J.M.

Thanks!

The top and bottom borders will have to be measured a bit differently, since I'm using corner blocks that are the same size as my outer border, So the measurement of my top and bottom border should be through the middle, but only the middle (not the border) so the corner blocks will fall right into place. (I think, anyway; never did a pieced border before, let alone a pieced border and corner blocks....)

feline fanatic

Yes you are correct. If you are using border cornerstones that are the same width as your borders you can measure your quilt BOTH horizontally and vertically BEFORE adding the borders for your border size strips and cut them. I usually attach the side borders to my quilt and attach the cornerstones to both ends of the top and bottom pieces. When I sew the top and bottom on, I match up the seam of the cornerstone with the seam of the side border and pin well (or put a drop of glue and iron set).

If you measure after you attach your borders don't forget about your seam allowance!

I do cornerstone borders quite often.

Jingle

Feline fanatic's way is how I do it too.

J.M.

It sounds easy enough to do. I guess time will tell if it's as easy in practise as well

isewman

I measure from the middle to the end for length measurements. Majority, I'm pretty close on exact length for both sides.

quilt addict

You want to do this so your quilt ends up square because your borders will be the same length. If the sides of the top are a bit off you ease them to fit the size of the cut border piece.

Easy Peasy, right!