I hope I don't start a big argument with this one. I was thinking about either putting a border on the sampler when it's finished, or a row of lattice strips at the top and bottom. Not sure exactly.

If I add a border, is it better to put sides on first and then top and bottom or vice versa. I tend to measure at the edges and in the middles, but I'm working really hard at squaring everything up as I go.

If I don't put on a border, and use the extra rows of lattice and cornersquares, I figure I'll have to do the same with the sides and it'll depend on how much material for the cornersquares I end up with.

Also, if I don't have enough of that fabric, could I use the same fabric for the border as I did for the lattice strips? Sorry so many questions, I just really want this one done right.

Melissa

I have always read that you put the side borders on first. Not sure why, but a book I was reading recently said the same.

If the quilt is a rectangle, I put the sides (longer length) on first, then the shorter top and bottom. I did it the other way once and ended up needing to piece the border on the last two sides. It was a good learning experience...made me learn how to do cornerstones :) :) !

There are NO quilt police! Do what looks good to you!!!

lol hows the fabric supply?

thats how i decide if i can length cut i like too, which means if i can i usually do the longest cut first

but if i cant it doesnt matter

rachelle

i'm with Shelley. personal preference wins the day. :-)

couldn't say why, really, but if i'm mitering corners or using cornerstones, i "automatically" do the ends first. if i'm just doing plain strip borders, i do the sides first. it looks odd to me if the sides "cut off" the end strips.

I always make big square quilts. Then it don't matter.

tim in san jose

I'm with Shelly too. It just depends on how you view your quilt & what looks pleasing to your eye. You might even decide to do each one differently. You just can't go worng. Good luck.

Well...I guess I'll wait until the tops done.

Tim...it was good to see you. I was just asking Patrice the other day where you were at. I thought she might have scared you off threatening more toes!

I did the same thing :D The books I have also says to sew sides on befor the top and bottom. It is less work but there is no set rule in quilting so you can do it your own way any way you want.Whatever is best for you.
Bill'sBonBon