My adult daughter asked for a black and white quilt with a white background, with some kind of stars that could be outlined and stippling in the blocks that don’t have stars. The borders will have feathers. She would like it quilted with a light gray variegated thread. She said it will be her “forever “quilt and she can use it with any other colors in her bedroom.
With that in mind, here are 3 pictures of the same blocks on a quilt I am making for her for Christmas. I am at a standstill trying to decide whether to sash or not. Please give reasons for why or why not.
The block is called Hope of Hartford. I actually found the block in my Bernina Designer Plus Quilter Software V6. Then I changed it up to suit me. It is a 10” block set on point. The quilt will be 120” x 120”.
Option 1 is quilt without the sashing would have 4 borders - 2”-black, 2”-white, 2”-black, and 5”-white with black binding.
Option 2 without sashing would have 3 borders – 1”black, 4”-white & 5” black with white binding.
Option 3 is quilt with 1” – white sashing, and 2 borders – 1”- black, and 4” white with black binding.
Thanks for your input and I look forward to your answers. I can’t ask her because, even though she asked for a quilt, she doesn’t know that I am making this at this time and this particular quilt.
Alma

NO Sash Black boarder

To my eye, option 2 is a more striking quilt. I like the wide black border. Somehow it looks more elegant to me.

#2 gets my vote

I also vote for Option 2....It will be stunning!

No. 2 is my choice.

option 2

does your software allow you to remove the outlines of the blocks and patches? my EQ does with a right click on the quilt picture. i think if there were a view that way, it would help with the decision. since it is only black and white fabrics, the outlines make it look like there is an additional design around the blocks. the sashing will float the black background blocks from each other. not sashing will give it a 'harlequin' look. for borders, i like the lighter one, without the wide black.

I agree with most, #2 :)

My vote goes to number 2.

I also prefer #2.

On paper (or should I say, on screen) my first reaction would be #2. For the work of sashing, I don't think you'd accomplish anything if you are doing strictly black and white. Now if you're doing an assortment of B+W and B+W prints, then that could be different.

However .... and JIMHO ... get the blocks made before you make your decision re sashes/borders.

Once you have the real thing in front of you, you can get a very real feel as to what borders are needed, and how wide.

There is no need to decide now (again JIMHO) !!!

I like #2

#2 is my favorite too!

Option 2

I'd go with #2 - so striking and rich looking. Please post when finished.

I also personally prefer the #2 but they all look great.:)

definitely #2

I do have all the Blocks made and they are solid black and solid white, but thought it would be easier just looking at the design on paper. But you have a point. I'll lay them on the floor and let my furbabies check them out. LOL.

#2 popped out to me.....good luck deciding

I agree

I like Option 1. I think the heavier border on Option 2 will become dated (IMHO).

Thank you so much. I did not know it, but YES, my software does allow the outlines to be removed. I did that and it gives it an entirely different look, as you mentioned. I am going to try to add those pictures and delete the first ones. Wish me luck.

Option #2

Option 2 gets my vote

Someone once said that borders should never be the same size. OK, there's not rules ... however, since then, I've watched that, and have noted the ones I like better/worse seem to follow that thought.

Just a thought .... for Option 2, play with the widths of the borders a bit. I think you'd get just a wee bit more wow-power if the wider black border was just a tad wider!

i'm so glad i could help. yes, the look is so different. but i was wrong about the 'harlequin' thing. now, i the sashing separates your border diamonds from the blocks. i like option 3 without lines. be sure to post once you finish
:)

I changed the borders on option 2 to be 1 - 3 - 6 (instead of 1-4-5) and it did make it look more elegant. Thanks.

This is why I spend lots of time on this board. I love all the comments and suggestions. Thanks to everyone for their comments. So far it looks like #2 will win out. Prior to posting the pictures, I was truly stumped and kept waffling back and forth. I am going to lay it out tomorrow and will make my final decision. Then onto the job of putting it together.

Like you ... I have learned so much by hanging out here! LOVe every minute of it!

#2 gets my vote.

agreed!

OPTION 2

I vote for #2.

Option 2 is what my eyes are drawn to.

Taking out the lines really changed the way they look! I would have initially voted for #2, but now I think #1 is better. The borders look like a picture frame. They are all beautiful however. I can see why it's hard for you to decide!!!!

#2 very pretty

#2

Option 2

i like number 2 also nice quilt

I might just be added fuel to the fire on this, but what about using the white sashing in option #3 along with the boarders from option #2? I like the look of the larger black boarder and would want to keep this, but the separation of the block and the small black squares around the outer part of the quilt (without boarders) is very appealing to my eye.