I know to long time quilters this is a dumb question but I am working on my first large quilt so not sure and what to do to make boarder long enough? I is all one color..do you join the pieces and a angle and just sew them straight across..do you piece them and where ever the seem hits is ok or do you piece them at both ends..Does anyone understand what I am trying to ask???

You can sew them straight across, 1/4 in seam, or you can cut and sew them at an angle. Either way will work.

I sew my border strips together at a 45 degree angle, as this is the way I was taught. The reasoning I was taught is that when the fabric is joined that way, it is harder to see. I don't know if it's true, since I've never joined the strips with a straight seam. When I sew the borders on, I try to sew the strips so that the joins are not directly across from each other, but that is just my personal preference.

I sew them straight too.

I sew mine at the 45 degree. I measure the entire quilt as to how much binding I am going to need,then add 2 inches for each corner turn. I have begun using the 2-1/4 strip, (adapted from this site!)after they are sewn together to press them wrong sides together (wst), and sew.

I have pieced border with 15 degree angle and also straight. I like the diagonal seam, but takes much more fabric.
I usually start my first borders with 2 width of fabric cuts. That will go on top and bottom of most of the quilts I make. Then by cutting only half the width I've cut across my fabric...20+ inches, with two full widths and the half will be enough for the length of the quilt so I don't end up with a very small piece at one end.

I use the 45 degree angle, also. The only time I have a problem with this is if the border fabric has a large print. Then I use a straight seam, to allow the pattern to repeat correctly.

I hope you got enough information from all of us to help.

You will do a good job. Just jump in and try a method. :thumbup:

I would try and only use two pieces sewn together for each border, unless you have to piece more because of running out of fabric.

I use straight seams for borders and generally cut them the width of the fabric and piece the length I need. Once in awhile I'll use a fabric that the design will work better cut length of fabric.

The biggest reason I use straight seams is the loss of fabric. If the border is 8 inches wide you'll lose an 8 inch square for each diagonal seam. It doesn't take very many seams for that to really add up.

Thanks everyone for your help!

I sew mine straight across. When I make multiple borders, I sew the different widths together, square the edges and match them up.

An important lesson for the border on a large quilt is to measure across the CENTER of your quilt and use that measurement as your border length. If your edges are not that exact size, fudge-fit the border in. If you just cut and attach without measuring, your border WILL be wavy - guaranteed.

I sew mine at a 45 degree angle just because that was the way I was taught. I'm sure either way would work.

You can do a border in many different ways. I think it is just a matter of personal choice. I usually do the sides then the top. I have only mitered one quilt and that was because of the fabric I used and I wanted to try the mitered process. Just be sure you do the border accurately so your quilt is square and easy to quilt. Many people do not know the proper way to measure for a border. Don't just pin it to the side and whack off the extra. There are many tutorials on how to measure a border. Be sure you understand the process no matter if you piece your border, use one strip or miter the corners. The best advise I can give you.

I sew mine at a 45 degree angle--how I was taught, but I try to avoid having a seam at the corner of the quilt.

When I add a border that is all the same fabric, meaning it's not a pieced design, I cut it lengthwise so there are no seams. I butt the corners with the top and bottom strips going edge to edge.

i'm confused here, are we talking about the borders or the bindings?

I sew them straight!

I cut my borders at a 45 degree angle. The fabric is not as thick when you turn it to the back and it looks neater. Good luck!

Eek! My reply was about binding. For borders that are long, I buy extra fabric so I do not have a seam within one side. Corner blocks are a good idea if you are running short!

I haven't used the 45 degree method, but a hint for matching large prints on the borders, press under your seam allowance, line up the print, and use elmers glue to hold it while you sew. I did one that came out practically invisible!