I usually do the sides first, then the top and bottom. I try not to piece the borders any more than I have to. Therefore, if I leave the shortest borders (top and bottom) till last, the side borders don't have to be as long.

you do the sides 1st because the quilt is usually LONGER, than wide & usually that means less piecing of the border. if you do the top & bottom your sides will have to be that much LONGER ex. 10"border X T+B=20'' longer than your longest measurement! I like te least amount of seams in borders!

My quilt teacher(Billie Lauder) told us that you do the side FIRST then the top & bottom. The reason for this is for the LAQ. This way when they are quilting they can make sure that the seams across the top & bottom stay straight and even. It also puts less stress on the side seams, since they are encased by the top & bottom.

I usually do the sides first - that way, I don't have to find another 6" -10+" in length if I were to add on the top borders as well before doing the sides. I always do the shortest measurement for each length and that means less joining or corner squares to make up the length.

There are no rules that say you have to follow the pattern to the letter. It's your quilt, go for it! :D

I think the reason most people put the side borders on first is they go just to the end edges of the quilt (less fabric in border). Then add the top and bottom.

Just wanted to say that I LOVE your quilt. I love all things western and you did a great job of selecting fabrics. The stripe really make a dramatic statement.

I don't really think it matters much how you do the boarders.

Amen!

i have always been told to do the sides first then the top, but i think which way you like is the way you can do it