Not brand new to quilting, but learning more with each project! How do most of you do this - when you have a border to put on - say 46.++" long - do you use the 42" (WOF) plus another 4.++" for your total length needed and the seam is near one end or the other - OR - do you cut your border strips to 23.++" so the seam is near the middle of the border? Does any of that make any sense what I'm trying to ask? Thanks in advance for all your answers!

I try not to piece my borders. I usually by enough length of fabric. But if I am using something from my stash and can I will put a contrasting block of some kind in the corners. I know many people piece their borders, but I have this thing about it, just me.:roll: If I do piece I make a pieced border like flying geese, strips, etc.

I usually use width of fabric strips for my borders and piece them. I would use a little more than 4 inches just so the seam isn't quite so close to the end of the border. If you like the way it looks with the seam in the middle then you can do it that way too.

If my fabric (or lack of it) makes me do it in pieces, I try to make it be near one end.

If I have two borders that are longer that the WOF I cut the fabric for both of them, piece it together with a 45 degree seam. Keep in mind that if your border is 52" and you are going to cut 3 pieces WOF. You will have a very long piece. I fold it in half, that way I can see where the seam is. If it is to close to the edge I can move my border piece to fit. Yes you are going to have some left overs. You can use that for the other side of the border or add to your scraps. I hope this makes some type of sense. I am a visual person.

I generally piece my borders but I hate really short pieces. I prefer my pieces to be longer. Since I need at least 2 pieced borders, I cut 3 strips WOF and sew them together and split the entire length in half. Then I can trim it the way I want. The extra pieces go in the scrap bin or they can be used in back art.

I forgot to mention that it is important to pay attention to the placement of seam lines when doing mitered corners. You do not want a seam in those because the miter already ends up seamed.

I like to use the length of the fabric, so my border is all one piece.

Everyone else have had good suggestions about how to piece, if necessary. I also think the cornerstone idea is good.

I try to do my joining near the middle and always join them at a 45 degree angle.

I use what I have, so I do piece my borders, and try to make them near one end too.

Thanks everybody, for your great suggestions - I really appreciate your info! Not sure I can figure out how to add a photo of the baby quilt I was in question on - maybe?
Guess not - will have to do some reading on that subject!

I don't do anything the same everytime. I generally have a plan for my project's borders but don't cut the fabric until it's time to put each on. That way, I can lay it out next to the completed quilt and see if my original thought really looks best. I must admit that I most frequently put on whole edge borders, often with a contrasting corner square. Sometimes, I have each edge a different color, especially for kids or landscapes. I have made pieced borders, but usually prefer my inner-quilt to be what stands out most.

My plan with the baby quilt is to use the same fabric for borders that I used for sashing - 2" finished width - so as to not take away from the quilt top itself - tho it's pretty busy in itself - would take a pretty wild border to draw attention away from the top! I have two blocks left over I plan to use for an almost matching baby doll quilt.

I love that quilt, especially with all those bright colors!! I just got a top completed for a baby shower next weekend that is very bright/non-traditional also. I think that using those colors, they can use it longer. As for the borders, I try to make them all one length, but this last top I did, I had to piece. The fabric was directional and I didn't have enough for the length. I pieced at the top on one side and the bottom of the other. the fabric is so busy, it is not noticeable. This way the seams are not right across from one another.

Cathy - I like your idea about the seam at the top on one side and the bottom of the other - but it was good to get ideas from so many others - thanks everybody! I have to get this quilt done by Tuesday when we go to Wisconsin to see my newest granddaughter that was just born last Wednesday night! The baby doll quilt will wait for her first birthday.