Is there an easier way to put cornerstones in the border?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
Is there an easier way to put cornerstones in the border?
I struggle a little when I decide to put cornerstones in my border. I have a difficult time getting the cornerstone seams exact. Maybe someone out there has an easier method.
1. First I sew the border on two opposite sides and trim the ends to make sure they are super smooth and straight.
2. I measure border seam to border seam for the 3rd side and add 1/2" for the seams.
3. I sew one cornerstone to the end of the border piece, sew the other end on as well and sew the border to the 3rd side.
4. I do the same thing as steps 2-3 for the 4th side.
Somehow, I have problems with that last cornerstone not lining up perfectly with the side border seam.
Any suggestions?
1. First I sew the border on two opposite sides and trim the ends to make sure they are super smooth and straight.
2. I measure border seam to border seam for the 3rd side and add 1/2" for the seams.
3. I sew one cornerstone to the end of the border piece, sew the other end on as well and sew the border to the 3rd side.
4. I do the same thing as steps 2-3 for the 4th side.
Somehow, I have problems with that last cornerstone not lining up perfectly with the side border seam.
Any suggestions?
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
When mitering large wide borders corners for queen size quilt, I always had one corner that was off needed to be fixed.
I would remeasure to see why the one border was off. I would measure the length of each size because one side could be just a 1/4" longer or shorter than the other one. I would pin base the border to see if my measurement were accurate and then sew the border on. I always use pins so that the fabrics won't shift but I am careful to pull the pin out before getting to close to the needle. Hope this helps.
I would remeasure to see why the one border was off. I would measure the length of each size because one side could be just a 1/4" longer or shorter than the other one. I would pin base the border to see if my measurement were accurate and then sew the border on. I always use pins so that the fabrics won't shift but I am careful to pull the pin out before getting to close to the needle. Hope this helps.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,340
nanna - I feel your pain. I used to have this problem a lot too. I THINK the problem is 1/4 inch seams, and possibly stretching the fabric a little when sewing. Now I measure the 3rd border, hold it up against where it's going to go, just to double check. Then I sew the first cornerstone on, press and check again. Then I sew the second cornerstone on, press and then check again. THEN, I pin the seams where they are supposed to go and then pin the heck out of the whole rest of it. I think this is one of the only time I use pins. Then, if your sewing machine can regulate the pressure of the presser foot, fiddle with that a little bit. If my pressure is too high, it seems to push the top fabric and un-align all my hard work. Good luck!!
#5
I do it your way Jean - but i switch to my walking foot to avoid shifting - and i pin like crazy....and have not really had any problem with the match up. I'll be checking back to see if there are other suggestions.
#6
You don't mention whether you pin the last borders to the quilt. Fabric can shift quite a bit with a long seam. Using a walking foot helps, but lots of pins (or glue) will keep those pieces together.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,138
That is exactly what I do. Then i make sure the cornerstone and the border match up perfectly, use elmers washable glue to SECURE the match (pins seem to distort the match), and sew it on.
But there are those times when nothing works. That means I've done enough for one day.
But there are those times when nothing works. That means I've done enough for one day.
#10
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