Originally Posted by
dunster
I like piano key borders too, but I always cut my strips into the length I want before sewing. I also cut them along the length of the grain if possible, rather than across the width of fabric, and I starch before cutting. Then I only have to stitch and press, no more cutting and no unsewing (unless I make a mistake, like putting a fabric in upside down, which I have been known to do).
I don't mind the extra cutting ... I like the sharp crisp edge I get when doing so.
No unsewing (except for upside down pieces) ... as the strips are randomly placed with the pre-cut over-size lengths. Yes wastage, but makes the randomness more certain.
Good thing to mention,
Dunster ... to watch for directional fabrics ... and have them placed accordingly when doing piano keys.