Oh how I could just explode. I only have one more border to put on my quilt. The other night I should have quit when I was ahead. I was already short some. But I went ahead and got it cut just as I needed. Tonight started ironing and was going to
piece it when I figured out that instead of cutting it across selvage to selvage I apparently cut it length ways. I guess I didn't notice because I had it folded to cut it and it was getting late.
So what can I do with the fabric now?

Wow, that really stinks. I have been there before.

If you have more you can piece the border together. You can add an interesting block in the corner or remove part of the other sides and insert corner stones so you will have enough.

Good luck. :)

Oh, I feel for ya....

Could you take a picture of your top - as is.

Maybe you can do two different boarders. Same on the top and right, then something different on the bottom and left. Or sames opposite each other. OR there is always piecing the boarders?

I don't know how wide your borders are, but could you make them narrower and come up with the amount you need for the fourth border. If this works, but you still want a wider border maybe you could pick another fabric and add a second border. I have done the kind of thing you describe, I have a rule, one mistake, quit for the night. What a bummer to come back to the frustration the next day.

I don't understand the beef? Unless it is one way fabric...

I made a quilt top out of scraps and when I got it put together so I was happy with it I thought it was too long and narrow so I made an extra wide border up the long side and added appliqued vines and flowers. It is one of my favorite quilts. It served as the fourth border.

I agree with Franie, if it is not a directional fabric, why can't you piece it togeather to get your length or if you cut it the length isn't it longer than you width???? We need a picture.

I always cut my borders down the selvage, not selvage to selvage. I rip them unless it's narrower then 4".

I do the same thing unless it's a directional print.

Ithink I have enough of it even though it is cut wrong.I don't mind getting getting more fabric if I have to. It is black quilters cotton. My pattern said to cut it the width of the fabric. So I was wondering if it is still usable for the border or if I need to stick with the directions?

My border is 61/2" wide. I was suppose to have 8 strips of them, but now have 6. The length is deffinetly longer, so I believe I may have just enough to go around. If not I will have to buy more.

I usually cut my borders lenthwise too. Normally what I'd do is measure the length of the quilt in the center and cut the long sides first. Then I'd measure the center of the width and cut those. But if you are concerned about a seam showing, you may want to cut the top/bottom first and piece the sides if the quilt has a definite direction to it. If it's not directional, I don't think it really matters. You can always add another block of a different color or pieced block between the pieces to lengthen the borders. You should measure well and sketch it out to see what your options are.

I never go by the pattern if I can get away with 1) less sewing (such as piecing borders), 2)use less fabric...... To me a pattern is a 'guideline' and that's it. If I have an easier way for ME to do a block that's how I do it.

I am new at piecing quilts and this is the first time I am doing a border. So I am or was concerned that I had cut it wrong and I wouln't be able to use the fabric as a border or at least not on this piticular quilt. It is not a directional pattern. It is a 2008 bom that I am finally finishing. So all of you have answered my
question. Thank you sooo much.

lots of people always cut their borders from the length instead of the width of the fabric, i'm kind-a unsure what the problem is? are you short now and don't have enough? if so, show us a picture maybe someone has what you need, but if you are just worried about using it??? i don't understand what the problem is?

I do borders on the length, too. They seem to be more stable. Can't if it's a directional print of course (at least for 2 of them....). Hope it sorts itself out without too much grief!

I usually cut my borders down the selvage too!! I don't like the borders waving at me,lol!!

Basketlady, what a perfect way to put it!

Your right. I guess through out this thread I may not have explained myself right. I cut it length wise and not the wideth that it called for. I didn't know if border could still be used if it were cut length wise.
By the way I went to my lqs and asked and she said just what everyone here has been telling me that it is still usable. And yes I believe I have enough so I am ok there. So thank you everyone for trying to understand what I was trying to explain.

I always cut the length of the fabric for the border, it does not have the ripple effect that the wof does.

Oh how sad. I'd just put it away. You'll be able to use it for another project some time. I've learned not to rush (don't know if you were) when I'm sewing because, invariably, I make a mistake--a bad one.

Now its a win-win, and you have learned several valuable lessons. It will be great when done..

Many quilt teachers say to cut the borders the length of the fabric and not across the grain.

My quilter prefers lengthways borders, less stretch

Oh that is awful. I'm sure you will find answers here to help you.

I usually cut them length wise for the sides. If you have to piece it you can do it at a angle and your eyes don't even notice the seam. It is painful to have something near done and make a boo boo because your too tired when you did it. Guess we all have been there many of us more then once. Take a deep breathe and turn off the lights and deal with it tomorrow. Sorry ....

I will sometime add a few narrow pieces of other fabrics in the quilt to make like I planned it that way. I often do this with larger print borders that I don't have enough lengthwise fabric, and to piece it would be so obvious in that pattern it would look stupid. You could use some other colors that coordinate, and make a small checkerboard insert that would look very artistic!

I am so sorry. God bless.

There is ZERO problem with the border fabric cut length wise instead of width, unless it is directional and you wanted the print to go the other way. There is less stretch in the fabric when cut length wise and that is sometimes very helpful in a border.

Quilterj, borders are usually cut from the length of the material unless being pieced in a certain fashion!!

I generally piece my borders from cross cuts and they never wave at me. Hope you follow in the footsteps of our foremothers (and some of us on the QB) who got creative when the cutter got away from us. Good luck.