MoanaWahine

Never done a Piano Key style boarder. How hard/easy is this to do? What do I need to take into consideration when doing this type of boarder?

I am thinking of using 2.5 strips of fabric to make these. Is this going to be easy to do? Understand that I should vary the direction of the sewing from one direction to the other.

Any advise is welcomed.

QuiltE

I think you have the idea of what needs to be done.

I sew a bunch of strips together, and then cut the strip sets into the length I want. Eg. if I want the border to be 6" wide, then cut at 6-1/2". I'm usually working with lots of leftover strips, so my colour placement varies. I just do my best to keep them mixed up, rather than having them go in the same order. The other thing I do is watch that I don't get a whole bunch of lights together, and then a bunch of darks.

Of course, that might not be the look you want.

Here's a pic of one of the piano key borders that I've done ....
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-153488-1.htm

cmrenno

I just finished a quilt with a piano key border. I cut my pieces 2-1/2" by 4-1/2" and it came out great. Go for it. Its easier than I thought it would be.

kalena

I made one once. I am a newer quilter, definately no expert. One thing I found was my row bowed. Someone told me to start the sewing at the opposite end. Sew one down and now the bottom is the top to sew the next one. Hard to explain.

snipforfun

I did one that came out perfect. I foundation pieced strips onto grided interfacing. Just placed strips on the lines and sewed. Kind of llike paper piecing.

MoanaWahine

I completely understand what you are talking about. This much I was aware of. This method tends to even out the bowing that happens if you don't. Thanks for you advise.

Glassquilt

Great use for extra fabric. You just need to decide in advance if you'll make cornerstones or miter at the corner.

SherryW

Yes, it's easy. I just made a rail fence with the piano key border for my grandson as a Christmas gift and it came out pretty. Just finished it last night.

gale

I made one and I'm a beginner. It was easy.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...rsquilt1sm.jpg[/img]

MamaLinda

Thank you for asking Moana Wahine and thanks for the answers from the rest of you. Love this board and all the help.