Pieced borders
 

Can't sew much yet due to 2 surgeries but am planning quilt for grandson. He wants it bigger then i had planned so will have to piece the border do u join at an angle or straight across. All so never took a quilk to long arm quilter. Do I take batting and quilt backing. Thanks for any help.

Well it sounds like you have quite a project :) For the borders I typically just go straight across but just finished a quilt where I did a mitered corner to give a 3D effect. It looks very nice but was more difficult. That said, as someone who also has never taken a quilting class - You Tube is a great place to sew how to do them. So my answer on the borders is do what looks right for the quilt pattern you are making. My LAQ requires me to bring my quilt back and I would assume most of them would. As for the batting - ask you LAQ as I have found places that won't accept your batting as well as others who are fine with it.

I always join my border pieces using an angle. This is how I was taught so I think I just do it that way. I prefer the look of the angle as opposed to the straight seam. But I don't think it really matters in the grand scheme of things. :p

I think that it looks better when done on an angle. As for the batting and the backing, I would take them with me. That way you can shop for a sale on both and your LAQ may not have much of a selection for backing and might not have anything you like. gina

Always take my own backing but many times use the LAQ's batting - call the LAQ and see what she has on hand.

If you join your pieces at an angle, whether it is for borders, sashing, or binding, the seam is less noticible, especially if the fabric has a design.

Most longarmers will ask that your batting and backing be 3-4" wider and longer than your quilt top, so take this into account when you make your backing. One of the longarmers I used preferred to use her batting, and the price was comparable to what I paid for batting, and another preferred her clients to bring their own. Also, if you want her to use black batting, let her know. She may not have any, so you will have to supply it.

I use a diagonal seam when piecing borders, unless the border fabric is a stripe. Striped fabric looks better when the seam is straight.

I have always sewn my borders on an angle. I was taught this way, but also because of the direction, it is supposed to stand the test of time and usage better. A straight seam is easier caught and torn, than a diagonal seam. I guess we'll know for sure in 100 years, which seam lasted longer. :) I have, however, done both types of seams, and who knows if it matters. I have always taken my backing to the LAQ. Sometimes they have batting and sometimes I provide my own. Just depends on whom I use.

I just sew across when I piece a border. Lazy, I guess, but no one has ever complained. :)

Dina