ptquilts

I used to run across a lot of GFG tops when we were buying and selling antique quilts. It seems like it's a fun top to start and not so much to finish. I have finished a few, including one where the customer wanted every hex preserved and bound on the edge. As I recall, I did not add binding but just sewed front to back with a hand stitch. I don't recommend it!!

illinois

Thank you to all who responded. I love the applique suggestion but sounds time consuming.
MawMawB, thank you for the site with lots of suggestions which included the one done by Cat-on-a-mat. That's the method I was hoping I might find someone had done.
Cat-on-a-mat, I have some concern about cutting into the hand stitching. Will those fall apart and how did you secure those until stitched to the border? Your border is fantastic. I would appreciate any suggestions you care to share on getting that to be a nice straight edge to sew a border onto.

ibex94

Maybe run a stay stich around the quilt ,where you are thinking about trimming, to secure those hand sewn stitches? Folding under is another option so the hand stitching doesn't unravel while you add the border, but that might make the edge too bulky.

cat-on-a-mac

I don't remember having any issue with the hand stitching coming out .... but it's been a long time ago that I did this one.

You could sew the border on before trimming off the hexies. You'd need a large space where you can lay it flat, then pin the border in place.

ibex94

I like that option cat-on-a-mac! No extra stay stiching that way!

QuiltE

Perhaps the solution is to not cut the stitching and hexies?
Leave them there, and then mark your stitching line for adding your border.
Then hide them untouched, under the border.

QuiltE

Illinois ... don't know if borders are a must for you? or not?
If not, you might want to consider doing a non-binding edge aka a faced edge.
Here's a link ... an oldie, but goldie!
https://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.co...y-to-face.html

cashs_mom

That would be a great idea!

QuiltE

My rationale ... some of the hexie quilts, the stitching is very loose, simple, and spaced. (does that make sense? not sure if I have the "right" words!)
Too easy for it to come apart, if you start cutting something off!!

MWB53

So if i want to applique (?)the uncut edge onto a border, how would I make sure i had it flat and even? Would I need a big table to lay it all out? Tia