Is there a standard rule of thumb regarding adding borders? I've finished a Turning Twenty top and ready to add 2 borders. My first border will be 2 1/2 in. wide, with the outer border being 5 in. wide. I am still VERY new to quilting and realize now that I don't know for sure how to put a border on.

I hope I can ask/describe this the way I'm picturing it. Here goes -

Which part of the border goes on first? Do you sew the top/bottom strips and THEN sew the side borders running the full length including the additional top/bottom? OR, do you sew a border on the full length of the sides[u] and THEN cut and sew on the top/bottom borders including the width of the side borders? I hope this question makes sense. Thanks for your help!

I think either way is fine, it's really your preference. Measuring however is critical. I do the sides first mostly because I want those long pieces to be long enough. There's nothing more frustrating than getting the top and bottom on only to find out that your yardage is short and you'll have to add to the length to make the sides long enough. lay out your quilt as flat as you can get it, smooth it out from the center in all directions without pulling it out of square. Then measure like I've noted with the red lines. If all measurements are the same and your cross corner measurements match, then your quilt is perfectly square and its safe to cut your borders, I never cut anything until I've thoroughly measured everything. Re-measure with every step. I usually add 1/2 inch to whatever I need to cut, especially if I'm laying the quilt out on carpeting where it's a little tough to really see if it's laid out completely flat. I use a carpenters measuring tape from the toolbox. have someone help you so you make sure the tape is right on the edge across from you, it can be hard to see.

Babeegirl:

Thank you so much for taking the time to not only answer, but to include the diagram as well! I truly appreciate it. I plan to measure as you described as soon as I get home from work today.

Thanks again!

Hi Fan!! My preference is to put the sides on first, then the top and bottom. I think it just looks "right" to me that way. Also, don't worry if you have to piece the borders - with a print it won't hardly show, and no one cares. I also measure my quilts, but only through the middle side to side and from top to bottom on the right and left sides, and then check the measurements through the top part side to side and the bottom side to side to be sure I am not off a lot. After some experience you'll find that your quilts will be very close to "square" (not literally square, but measuring the same). Good luck!!

JLJACK,

Thank you for the info! I truly had no idea if there was in fact a right or wrong way to apply the borders. I think I'm ready to go ahead and start sewing tomorrow. :D
It will be great to actually finish my first quilt top completely. I have a couple underway. Thanks again!