dunster

I have read books that recommended piecing the border on the bias to make the pattern flow better. I've never used one of the gorgeous big borders (because I never seem to have the perfect fabric), so I've never tried it. However, I do have a question. Doesn't this introduce stretchiness where you least want it, on the outside of the quilt? I have never quilted something with bias on the outside edge, but I wonder if this is a problem when quilting, especially for longarmers who need to stretch the fabric on a frame?

QM

How very frustrating!!! The corner block may well be a good idea. I am guessing but 1. try pressing again and see it the results change. 2. You are off 2% per inch. That probably translates to a 1 thread seam allowance error.

QuiltingCrazie

thanks ladies!!! I always love this board....To answer a few ??'s yes I agree I do like the look on the diagonal, it's a personal thing. I have pieced in the straight and since I quilt for me and I can see it I avoid it lol but have no judgement for others!! I have never had a stretch problem but it's the way I was taught and I was taught to be careful as well with the bias. I'm amazed at what I learn here and the differances and trust me I have used many tips and tricks on here! I just needed someone to understand my frustration my family sometimes looks at me like I have grown three heads lol. you wonderful ladies and I have coffee every morning thanks again!! Rachel

Jingle

I lay my border pieces on top of the quilt center across and up and down, Lightly run my hand over the border to get to the same length as the top, cut it and do the same with other end. I then pin top in center, then pin halfway to the center pin on each end, do the same with the border, pin together and hold at each pin and sew, match up the ends and sew to the end. Sometimes this will take up a bit of fabric without puckering anything. I piece on diagonal and it never stretches. I have also had to attach a bit of fabric to lengthen tha border. Not noticeable until you look really close. I hope this helps and gives you an idea of possible fixes.

MadQuilter

I miter the binding strips but not the border pieces. When short, a corner block is a nice addition.

Pinkiris

One of our smart math ladies can probably tell us--for example, if I'm adding a piece to a 2.5" border and using a diagonal seam to piece it into the middle of a too-short border, how long does that piece need to be? Rachel's original border was 60.5" and needed to be 62". How long a piece does she need to add in the middle if piecing it in on the diagonal?

One of you smart gals must have a formula for each extra inch that we need to add in this manner. I know there's some algebra in there somewhere!

In the past, I've added a longer piece into the middle and then trimmed the ends equally. But if I was ever short on fabric, I'd be in trouble!!!

Scissor Queen

If your border is 2.5 inches wide you'll lose a 2.5 inch square for every diagonal seam. 6.5 inches, lose a 6.5 inch square, etc, etc. Plus the seam allowance.

Stitchnripper

I agree with QuiltingCrazie that we all have our preferred methods and isn't that a nice thing. I like diagonal seams best. I took a class where the instructor said don't bother with the tape measure. Put the strips of border fabric across the middle of the quilt making sure all is smooth and not stretched, and whack them off. You then have two same size border pieces that you can ease in on the top and bottom. Do same for sides. Or sides first, etc.

Scissor Queen thanks for the formula.

jeanneb52

URGHHHH! Been there done that.

paulswalia

piece your lengths together first, either on diagonal or straight seam, THEN measure the length of the strip to match the length of the quilt.