Miter question
 

Just so I've got this straight....

If I have three borders sewn together that equal 14" in width, so that's what I add to the length of my border fabric and then I add an extra 2" on either end to make 16", and the length of one side of my quilt is 48", that means that the length of the border has to be 80" to make the miters?

Just want to be sure I've got this straight.

Watson

sounds reasonable to me

I think you would add 14" to both ends, giving you an outer edge of 76" ? After cutting off the ends at a 45dg angle, the inner edge should be 48". I don't know where the 2" comes into it. Just my thoughts.

I think the extra 2 (4) inches is for wiggle room.

That sounds like a waste of fabric to me. I will just stick with my usual way of doing borders.

I would, too except this particular border would look silly the regular way.

Watson

I have a coaster that says, "Dear Math, I'm sorry, but I have my own problems to solve." That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Hope you've found the answer, Watson!

Do what works for you .... though some quilts are SO much better with mitered borders!!!!!!!

Yes, you don't need the 2" for seam allowances, but if that makes you comfortable, that's fine. There was a good tutorial posted 2 days ago on this. Your measurements are fine! Mitered corners look much better and are worth the extra fabric if you have it!

See attached scan -


1/4 inch = 2 inches

I don't know the size of your borders, so I just made them 4, 6, and 4 inches for the purposes of the illustration.