Originally Posted by
blondeslave
Ah, just yesterday I was putting the final border on a queen sized quilt. I didn't want joins so painstakingly cut each 8 1/2" wide strip lengthwise from the fabric before cutting them to the size I needed. I was cutting the last piece and did not measure twice. It was exactly 1" too short.
I live in mortal fear of doing that - so now I usually cut the borders two or three inches longer than needed - and NEVER before the rest of the top is done - but I do mark the "exact" length needed on the border to match to the rest of the top. I would rather cut off an inch or two on each end than be short.
I think it makes sense to "reserve" the border fabric before cutting the rest of the pieces - but I also think it is better to wait until the rest of the top is done to actually cut the borders because sometimes the top has grown an inch or two from the measurement suggested in the pattern.