Sashing question
 

I am at the point of sashing my blocks. My blocks are 12 inches (finished size) and I will be using plain black for the sashing. To get the size of quilt that I want, I think I have to use 1 1/2 inch (finished) sashing between the blocks BUT 1 3/4 inch (finished) sashing between the rows. I know that it doesn't sound like it would make a lot of difference but that will allow me to keep the pieced borders the same width all the way around. Do you think the extra quarter inch will be noticeable?

It should be fine.

I would eventally notice it - but that's me.

But whatever works for you

Nobody will notice it or even know but you. I frequently fool around with the sashing and border widths to get the size I need and no one has ever mentioned it. It would take a very exact "eye" to notice a 1/4" difference.

What size are you going for. Is that 1/4" going to make that much of a difference?

I have actually done some re-figuring. I have a king sized platform bed with a DEEP mattress. I am aiming at approx. 100" long by 115" wide. That will cover the mattress and top of the bed frame. (plus hopefully leaving something for me when the blanket stealer rolls over at night!!) I have decided that I still need to 'fiddle' the width of the sashing tho. See if you can follow my math--and correct me if I am wrong please!!

I will be putting the pieced border only on the sides and the bottom, NOT the top.

First, length: 7 blocks (12"x7=84")+sashing (1.5"x6=9")+borders top and bottom(1.5x2=3")+ pieced border and bottom finishing border (3"+1.5"=4.5") Total=101.5"

Next, width (which is infinitely more important to me): 8 blocks (12"x8=96")+sashing (1.25"x7=9" approx.)+borders(1.25"x2=2.5") plus pieced borders and finishing border ([3"x2]+[1.25"x2]=8.5") Total 116"

You can see that I have actually narrowed my initial sashing width but this seems to be the only way I can get to the size that I need. Unless I make the quilt big enough to tuck and go over the pillows which is definitely not what I am aiming for.

Any other ideas? I am definitely ready to listen!!

It looks like you did a good job with the math. I don't believe the one quarter inch difference will be noticable enough for you to worry about. If you're really worried about it, you could make up a 3 x 3 sample with scraps to see if it bothers you. That wouldn't take too long, and might put you mind at ease.

And, the bottom line is, it's your quilt, and you're the one who'll be living with it and loving it every day. Enjoy it!

Can't wait to see your finished product.

I have a couple books just on pieced borders. What they all recommend is 'filler borders' or 'coping borders'. You make your top, sash the blocks with the same width sashing top & bottom, but don't put any sashing on the outer edges. Measure your finished top, then add whatever width filler border you need to make up the difference between the top & your pieced sashing length. Unless your quilt is square or the math comes out exactly, the side fillers & the top & bottom fillers can be different widths. Because it's a border, it looks fine.
The other thing that's nice about this system is you can make the top w/o the filler borders, piece your pieced border and measure it then cut the fillers so the pieced border fits exactly.