measuring for border question
 

I'm working on a top that is set on point (my first). I measured for the side borders and took the center measurement as the right size and put on the borders. There were a couple of spots where the bias edges on the setting triangles stretched a little bit. Generally speaking it went well though. Then, I measured for the other set (at the center as well) of borders and cut them. They don't fit. They are about an inch too long. I double checked the measurements and they are correct.

Since I had a little trouble with the triangles stretching, I stay stitched the remaining edges about 1/8" from the edge. I don't think it will stretch to fit he binding now that I've done that. (I did the stay stitching before I started to pin on the border and discovered the problem.) I'm not sure if I should try to fit the border to the top or the top to the border.

Suggestions?

bkay

I would ease in the border as much as possible without having ripples and then cut off the excess length.

Maybe take two or three - or four - measurements of the width ; take an average of those numbers - and use that number as the target length for the borders.

however, if one of those numbers is drastically differentt from the others - try to figure out why before proceeding.

I guess I'm in the minority that I don't measure my sides to get my borders, I go with "as-built" conditions. Up to that point every subunit of each block has been trimmed to size and should be consistent other than a thread width here or there. My width is determined and then like most everything I do, I put the borders on large and trim down. I pin the heck out of things, and I use my ironing board to keep everything smooth while I'm pinning.

Unless it is for show, it really doesn't matter to me most of the time if one side is an inch or so different, the only time I notice it is when I am piecing (ok and when I'm folding) and I need to make the units come out correctly. But for a plain fabric border? The tape measurement is not my friend.

If I am making quilt that is not for show I lay down the pieces I need that are bias cuts and measure as I go. I always figure at least 15" extra after I have laid all the pieces along side of the quilt. Also on a quilt on point stay stitching is very important. I is great to see that you have done this at least on some point. Bias stretching is always a problem when making a quilt on point.

This question pops up from time to time and it always baffles me as to what the problem is.

Is everyone trying to cut the borders to the exact length before attaching to top. Why? To save yardage?

Some suggest taking several measurements across the quilt and averaging this for length of border- then easing either the top or border fabric to fit. What? Is this an attempt at "squaring up?" Or some other reason? Way too many steps and measurements where things could go bad.

Besides being the desired width, the border fabric only has to be one thing- long enough to fit. I only measure the top along the edge the border will attach to, and cut my border piece a couple inches longer. After it's sewn on opposing sides, trim to fit to the raw edge. If you've sewn on the long sides first you can now measure across the ends and cut your border long, and trim to width. The border pieces were cut to width, but after that I never pull out a tape measure. I take the border piece lay it on the top to see if it's long enough. If so, attach it and trim to fit. If not, lengthen the border piece. Works every time.

Am I missing something by not following convention?

Yes. Doing it the way you do gives you a very good possibility that you will have wavy borders, which are a pain to quilt. All those steps and measurements where things could go bad, as you say, are actually preventing things from going bad.

I am with you oldmanquilts. I do measure - top and side; double to get full length needed; add excess(maybe 1 strip extra) for joining(this is method for large quilt). Then I sew all strips together. Then I start at the right side and attach border top to bottom. I don't pin(hardly every do) I just match fabrics taking care not to stretch and sew to the bottom of side; trim border and then do the left side; bottom and top and I;m done. I don't have wavy borders. The only problem I've encountered is when the splice in the border comes at a corner. Thankfully, this hasn't happened often and when it does I think I'm the only one that notices.
I learned this from a pattern I had when I did my first quilt top(I still have it and have not finished it yet) and have always used this method without a problem.
As is often said, "do what works for you".

I would check the measurement at the center and 6 to 8 inches in from both sides If those are close and the edges are smaller, I would go back and clip a few of the stitches in your stay stitching to ease it out a bit. When I stay stitch, I always loosen the tension just a tad as on my machine it tends to pull the fabric a bit tighter than I like.

I've had the wavy border problem before, so went to measuring the center of the quilt as opposed to the edge.

Thanks everyone.

I'll do as you suggest, Betty. It's a good idea.

bkay

The only time I have a problem with wavy borders is when I cut the borders lengthwise of the fabric. Usually I lay a border strip on and sew it to the quilt top and keep the border taut while I sew. I then square up each end. I would never suggest anyone do this as most mess it up and then blame me.

as someone that long arm quilts for others, you can tell who just sews and cuts borders to fit the quilt as is---if a quilt is not square. There is a good quick video on National Quilter's Society website right now that shows a quick way to square up a quilt and figure the borders. I say "no pleats" (which is what happens when you get those wavy borders)

Eparys is correct. I measured 6" in from the edge and it is the same as the center. The stay stitch reduced the length of the border. That is why it doesn't match. So, I will cut some of the stitches of the stay stitching so that it will stretch come.

My favorite quote in the world is one my Dad attributed to my Grandfather, "Some people live and learn and some just live". I learned something here today. Thanks.

bkay

I do as Bearisgray and I’m glad you found the answer to your problem. Let us know how it worked out.

There's only two things that cause waves in the border (or any piecing for that matter) .- either the edge is not straight , or the stitching line is not straight with consistent seam allowances. You can take all the measurements you want, but it won't fix the real problem. The top doesn't even need to be square for good results but for the record, I square tops to be within 1/4 inch, measured diagonally in both directions. If the top piecing and assembly is as it should be, there is very little, to no trimming required.

Joining on the bias edge (such as setting triangles) can cause a little trouble if not attended to. Stay stitching helps but as mentioned you want to avoid stretch as you sew. Even when stay stitched I pin the snot out of setting triangles unless- If I have fabric to burn I place the straight grain on the outer edge, and the bias edges are joined to the top itself.

Pieced borders (ex: piano keys or seminole pieced, etc) cause a different set of problems which are easily handled by improving techniques. The biggest problems with pieced borders is pattern matching at the corners.

oops! that should read a video on the recent National Quilter's Circle was about squaring up a quilt and measuring for borders