Deborahlees

I almost always quilt mine, but do a different stitch in them, as usually the borders are the picture frames of the quilt, I do like them to look a little different....but quilted

MattieMae

I would probably quilt a 3" outer border. Something that would add a finishing touch without detracting from the overall design. If your sewing machine has any built in fancy stitches, they can be very pretty and the border done quickly.

hnkford

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I thinke the frame idea might work best since I can frame the pictures printed on the border. And it has the added benefit of being quicker than hand quilting.

Silver Needle

I agree that a 3 inch border is just a little too wide not to have some quilting in it. I think your idea of quilting around the pictures in the border should look very nice. Show us some pics when you are finished!

LavenderBlue

Recently, I just extended my horizontal straight quilting lines through the borders on a quilt. It was an easy & quick way to quilt that area!

WMUTeach

A quilt is always quilted as the quilter wishes, but I do quilt my borders. Usually something simple and fast but again, it is all up to you. With a three inch boarder it may not be necessary but if the quilting would make the piece look "finished" then, do so. Congrats on your first quilt! Do let us see a photo when you are finished. We all were new quilters and love to see others join us on the path to quiltdom.

Vat

Don't think I have ever seen a border that wasn't quilted.

Latrinka

I say quilt em!

DebbE

Definitely quilted in some way, even if its only a straight line. Follow the instructions that come with your batting, to make sure your quilt stays together for many years without the batting bunching up inside. Even then I always 'err on the side of caution' and quilt closer than the recommended amount on the package. It's a shame to see that happen after all the work (and money) that goes into a quilt....

SandyQuilter

Borders should be quilted.
SandyQuilter