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Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
(Post 5222026)
If your border is 2.5 inches wide you'll lose a 2.5 inch square for every diagonal seam. 6.5 inches, lose a 6.5 inch square, etc, etc. Plus the seam allowance.
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Oh, gosh, this sounds so like me. I feel for you!
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I've done both...piecing on the diagonal and straight across. I like the look of the diagonal better. More work involved and more fabric, but I think it looks nicer. I don't always do it that way...depends on how I feel when I get to that point. If I'm still full of energy, I do the diagonal, but if I'm worn out on the quilt, I sew straight across.
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Originally Posted by dunster
(Post 5221028)
I have read books that recommended piecing the border on the bias to make the pattern flow better. I've never used one of the gorgeous big borders (because I never seem to have the perfect fabric), so I've never tried it. However, I do have a question. Doesn't this introduce stretchiness where you least want it, on the outside of the quilt? I have never quilted something with bias on the outside edge, but I wonder if this is a problem when quilting, especially for longarmers who need to stretch the fabric on a frame?
that is---place your borders perpendicular to each other. lay your 45degree line of the ruler along the top edge, then cut on the slant. pin carefully, sew on this slanted line. sorry, that is kind of hard to explain, maybe you can you-tube the question & they will show on a video. |
I piece my on the diagonal because it is hard to tell where the pieces are joined...After I figure out how many strips I need I always cut one extra just in case, If I don't use it I throw it in my 2 1/2" scrap bin. We have all had the quilt from hell, that won't cooperate... you can take a deep breath and chalk up one more UFO finished..
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I'm with Lilakay...walk away for a while...eat some chocolate, let the caffeine take effect, and jump right back in!!!
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So sorry!
I am so very sorry that you are having this problem, it is one that I have had on multiple occasions. The solution that I have found is to try to remain fluid about my borders and over plan all the way. If I think it will take three yards I always buy 4 or 5. That way I have plenty, and if I have leftovers, so be it...
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By "on the diagonal" do you mean on the bias? That is what it sounds like, and the first time I have heard of that.
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I just sew my border strips on first and then cut them, that way you are not disappointed.
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I use a metal tape measure, like carpenters use, to measure for my borders. I lay the quilt out, measure it in the center, lock the tape measure then lay my borders next to the tape and mark for cutting. The metal tape is always long enough, stays where I want it, doesn't stretch or wrinkle. As far as piecing my border, it just depends on the design in the fabric which way I do it. Have done both.
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