So how do scallops go around the corners?
 

I got a pattern and instructions and was all set to go, but the lengths it said to cut the borders were short a couple inches (!!!) so now their handy template probably won't work as I will have to shrink the border by an inch on the long sides to get the top and bottom pieces I already cut to fit. Or go on line desperately seeking more of the fabric (I bought bolt-end from LQS) - have enough left to do a center panel for the backing, with some cleaver pieces of contrasting fabric to make it work.

Or skip the cursed scallops. Have never done them and was really leaning on pattern instructions and template. FYI the pattern instructions don't explain how to go around the corners either! LOL

What is the easiest way to do this? I've got the math but not the geometry!

Thanks
Sue

I love to do scallops on quilts. I mark the scallops on the sides and then freehand the corners, doing them the same. Hope this helps. Sharonve

I have never done scallops. But the principle is evenly spaced rounded areas, going into a rounded corner. When the quilters I know make scallops, they leave the border whole and quilt it first, then cut out the scallops. If you have a great long armer, they will quilt & mark the scallops for you to cut it out. If you are doing it yourself, then why not take a piece of freezer paper or wax paper or saran wrap and place it over the top of your border, then mark up the scallops using the pattern you have adjusted for the extra length. Once you get it like you want it, transfer markings to your fabric. I would use some that will come out or can be erased and then proceed to the quilting. I would mark the marked pieces with which side I was on when I did it. You might need to do it again if you lose the marks.

If you are making one of those self birthing scalloped borders, then the instructions will tell you whether to add them before or after the quilting and they can be FMQ separately. I have a Bali Wedding Star I am working on right now with scalloped edges. I am really thinking that I will birth the edges, hand sew that on the back and then decide if I really need any binding. The self birthing produces a completely finished edge, but it is only a single layer of fabric, not a double layer like binding is. Decisions, decisions. Always with quilting.

I've done scalloped and rounded corners - the easiest way is the do all the quilting first and then cut the scallops as described above. In your case, with the side borders being too short, if you could just add a 2" rectangle at the ends, quilt the top and then cut the scallops, I think your additions would be almost invisible.

Saucers, plates and bowls (cups & glasses, too) make it easy to adjust corner scallops.

The thing with using the QIAD scallop template is that you can always add or subtract the width of your scallop to get it to fit your quilt top. It's the same technique that I use with commercial stencils. I always start with marking my corners first then do the measurement to find out what the width of my scallop should be.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t173617.html
I can't find my photo of a quilt i did with scallops but i used June Tailor's Wave ruler. I do have Eleanor Burns ruler but have yet to use it.

Which is why I usually wait until the main part is done to cut the borders - but I do try to save/reserve the fabric for the borders.

This is of no help to you right now, but I learned from past mistakes to wait until later to cut a border to "exact length"

I found one scallop border i did. I used June Tailor's Wavy Edge/Scallop Edge ruler. I mark easy dips so i don't have to make bias binding.

I do have the quilt all quilted first. Then I take freezer paper strips - one for length and one for width - and fold repeatedly til I get what I want. This way I can get the ends to merge best. Or, if you like math, check for the commonality in the widths and lengths: divisible by 4 or 5 or 6. and work with that. Then remeber to have the ends at the halfway mark for the scallops so you can merge the two sides easily.