When I do borders I put the sides on first. I take the border I cut lay it down the middle of the quilt and cut it the length of that measurement. Then I lay it along side the edge of my quilt and pin the two ends on then pin starting in the middle an going each way until it is all on. If the quilt is a tad longer than the border I ease it in. Pin closely together and put the quilt on the bottom when sewing and the feed dogs will take up the extra. this will prevent wavey borders. Then I take the top and bottom border lay it across the middle after the side border are on and cut it to that size. Repeat the process. Hope this helps. Marge