http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-3RIWhBvcA I know this is applique, but it will work on a panel too.

Your fabrics are gorgeous!!!! Good luck!

I used this panel 3 different ways! One I trimmed it down to the gold and then put a border around it and made a small wall hanging. The second one I added three borders and used the blocks in the corners. On the third I trimmed it down to the gold, added a 1-1/2 inch border of the blue fabric that goes with the panel. Then I used the blocks from the panel and separated them with the darker blue fabric and made a backwards "L" (so you just have a block border on the right and bottom of the panel), added two more borders using the striped fabric and the dove fabric that go with the panel and was done. Made a small lap quilt and gave to my sister-in-law!

I had one like that and measured it thru the center, cut my pieces to that, and eased in what needed to be eased. came out perfect.

Every panel I have ever used is out of square - I don't like using them for that reason - Luckily I have been able to cut them out and sash them to work

Trim 1/4 inch from the edge of the gold. When you add the first border, make it about 1/2 inch larger than you actually want. Put the panel fabric on top as you sew and sew exactly on the outside line of the gold. That will get you a straight border. The Navy blue around the panel is just for seam allowance.

My LQS person told me that because the picture is printed on the fabric, they are usually not perfect, the fabric moves when applying the paint, yadda, yadda. Some or worse than others even in the same batch. I was told to put a sashing on them and then square the panel with the sashing on, it will be less noticeable.

I did the Birds and Berries quilt with the panel and it was really off, but the border was little berries kinda scattered so I didn't have a straight line anyway.

Good luck.

Where did you get that beautiful panel? I would love to find one like it! When I make hangings I put the right side up and then put the backing side down and stitch around the sides (the gold in this case) leaving about a 6" opening in the bottom then flip it right side out, batting and all.
That way you dont have to bind it and it will come out perfectly square! Can you email me where you got the panel?
[email protected]. Thanks

I think if I were in your situation with this particular panel, and if I were only putting one wide border on, I would attach it to the panel keeping the panel border uniform, and then do the squaring up on the outside of the outer border.
Hope this makes sense!

I have rarely gotten a straight panel. Always have to fuss with them. I dont know why they cant print them or weave them straight or whatever it is they do.You usually have to cut the borders and all off and get down to the bare bones. Too bad we have to waste them.

After reading this reply, I see catmcclure is totally right!