Marcy J.

I have two pieced quilts that need borders. How to I determine how much fabric I need for 4" finished borders. One is 60" x 72" and one is 42" x 60".

stpatmom

I would begin by thinking about whether or not I wanted pieced borders. I don't like them, but I have seen borders pieced and it doesn't take away from the quilt at all. If no pieced borders, you'll need a cut as long as your longest side, so roughly two yards or slightly more for the first and then 1 3/4 yard for the second.

Just my thoughts. If piecing, then I'm not sure. I always buy too much anyways so you probably shouldn't listen to me anyways!

dungeonquilter

It depends on whether you want to piece the borders, or cut from one piece of fabric on the length of grain.
For cutting on the length of grain, take the longest measurement, add the width of the border twice plus a couple of inches for fudge factor. eg 72 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 82 inches.
If you don't mind them being pieced, take the width of the fabric and subtract the width of the border (to allow for diagonal joint). Count how many pieces you will need for each side. eg I count on fabric being about 40 inches usable. 40 - 4 = 36". for the 60 x 72 you will need two for each of top and bottom, and you might get away with two for each of the side, if you put the sides on first. You will need to measure.
For the 42 x 60, measure your fabric, you might be able to use on strip on the top and bottom. If not, you will need two for each side and should have enough to attached to the ends of the top and bottom.

ckcowl

measure the length, add about 10" if you are going to miter the corners, cut to exact length if going to add them in a straight set. add to the 2 sides, measure across top/bottom, add 10" if mitering, cut exact if not, add them to the top and bottom...
to figure how much fabric you need, you have to measure, add extra multiply by 2 for sides total, measure, add, multiply for top/bottom, add the measurements together. figure fabric = 40" wide...you can get (9) 4" strips from a yard of fabric (only 8 if you actually need 4 1/2"...take the measurements for the borders divide by the 40" to see how many strips you need then see how many yards you need.
72+72= 144 + 60+60 =(120)=264" divided by 40= 6.6 =(7 strips)so, 1 yd will do it for that one with a little to add to your stash...2nd one: 60+60= 120; 42+42= 84; = 204" divided by 40" = 5.1 strips (6 strips) times 4.5" = 27" 3/4yd. straight borders...you need to add for miters.

ckcowl

measure the length, add about 10" if you are going to miter the corners, cut to exact length if going to add them in a straight set. add to the 2 sides, measure across top/bottom, add 10" if mitering, cut exact if not, add them to the top and bottom...
to figure how much fabric you need, you have to measure, add extra multiply by 2 for sides total, measure, add, multiply for top/bottom, add the measurements together. figure fabric = 40" wide...you can get (9) 4" strips from a yard of fabric (only 8 if you actually need 4 1/2"...take the measurements for the borders divide by the 40" to see how many strips you need then see how many yards you need.
72+72= 144 + 60+60 =(120)=264" divided by 40= 6.6 =(7 strips)so, 1 yd will do it for that one with a little to add to your stash...2nd one: 60+60= 120; 42+42= 84; = 204" divided by 40" = 5.1 strips (6 strips) times 4.5" = 27" 3/4yd. straight borders...you need to add for miters.

Grama Lehr

Will you come with me the next time I buy fabric?? :shock: