I'm piecing a top and have never done sashing. My question is- what is the best way to add sashing- should the long piece of sashing between the rows run the length of the quilt, or the width?

I've seen it done both ways - I think it's quilters choice!

I prefer to do the width, but it's really up to you.

it depends. I normally make the long piece be horizontal (so that I'm joining rows together). You can certainly do it the other way and have the long piece be vertical (so you're joining columns). Sometimes it will depend on how much fabric you have and if you feel like piecing any of the sashing.

agree!

i do the right side and the bottom on each block as if it was part of the block, on the outside pieces i do 3-4 sides, (4 for the corners) then i don't have any long pieces to deal with

You can make the long piece go either way. Here is a tutorial on how to align sashing without cornerstones:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43921-1.htm

Having done it both ways, I find it lots easier to use cornerstones! Makes aligning a snap!

I've done it both ways, too.

I generally do sashing and corner stones so I don't have to deal with long cuts.

I agree -- sashing with cornerstones makes life much easier (less unkind words) although using Eleanor Burns marking trick it is easier to keep things straight.

Ditto. I find it easier to match seams this way.
After I have made my blocks and arranged them on the design wall, I add the sashing to one block at a time. This is how I figure the amount of sashing.

Glassquilt, I love your example. Thanks!

I prefer using cornerstones, myself.

I've done it both ways

For those who prefer using cornerstones- for ease of construction, for looks, or both?

Glassquilt, thank you for your graphics. really like your avatar, too.

I like adding cornerstones to my sashing...it makes it easier and adds flair

I add the short strips to the rows going across the quilt and add the long strips to the columns going down.

Adding borders, I do the sides first and then top and bottom!
peace :D

I think cornerstones can add interest to a quilt.

Ditto

I've done it all 3 ways. I like the look of the cornerstones, but it just kind of depends on the look of the blocks and how much fabric I have for sashing, and how much piecing together I feel like doing.

I am just getting ready to do my first quilt with sashing. The info is very helpful. thanks

Quilter's choice. But, I prefer the width for the long, continuous strips.

I find it always better to add to the side and then the bottom to each block. It seems to stay hold its shape/size better. When all pieced together I do just add one complete strip to the top and one side to finish.

Done it both ways but to be honest, I have found the width tends to makes me line up my blocks better. Otherwise I tend to have crooked rows going down.

I sew the vertical sashing strip to each block, then sew the horizontal rows and add the horizontal sashing strips as I go.

I find it easier to do the horizontal sashing first; then do the vertical. Doing the vertical last helps me to keep my quilt top square. I put the vertial sashing strips in the same way I do outer boarders - by using the center measure of the quilt as the average length and make each sashing strip the same, easing in fullness if necessary.
Marti in Missouri

I find adding sashing to each individual block FAR easier than dealing with long strips of fabric. And the blocks all line up perfectly.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. The block was made, then a green strip went around the outside, then a red strip was sewn around the outside. Then all the blocks were sewn together.

This quilt is beautiful! I love the thin green border around the blocks. And I think I have the same green flip flops. ; )

A question about adding sashing fabric to each block- my sashing fabric is white (white on white). The seams are hidden in this quilt's red sashing, but I'm worried that the seams would show up more with my white fabric, and would look weird... :?:

On my baby quilts I do it along the width and then the right and left side the long way. But it is whatever way you feel comfortable doing.

I've done it two ways, one with sashing and corner stones and using the full length sashing, either way works, but sometimes using the sashing and corner stones work best.

I do the long one horizontal because its easiest for me.

It's a personal preference, but I prefer the width.

Hi Kristin,
Yes, I think the seam in a white fabric might show up more than this red fabric. I think sashing it this way and having it look good might depend on how "busy" your white fabric is, and how you end up deciding to quilt it. If you quilt it heavily, it probably would be fairly unnoticeable. You could always make a sample to test it out.

I have always done it widthwise. But you could do it either, I think.

Excellent visual to the suggestion!