sherriequilts

This is SO IMPORTANT! I have to take several measurements and then take the average to make sure I have the borders the "right" length. Otherwise, it is very easy to get wavy sides. All the best. Happy quilting.

wildyard

I totally agree, no matter what the pattern says, measure your piece!! How frustrating to cut at 42.5" and need 43.

MelodyWB

I'd like to join this by sayng..never pre-cut your borders..just in case yours come out a little different..if you have to pre-cut them because of fabric issues..give yourself extra at that time!!

vegasgal47

Thanks! This is a great site. I couldn't believe I received responses so quickly too!

vegasgal47

No I didn't. In fact when I did the dashing a side came out a little longer so I trimmed the excessive.

This brings up another question. Why shouldn't you just trim off excessive? What does that do?

I already cut the shorter pieces out for the final binding. Will that mess me up if the top doesn't measure the same size as what I cut (cut piece might be longer)?

Thanks everyone for your help.

vegasgal47

So is it best not to cut the borders or sashing pieces out by the pattern measurements? I guess I shouldn't cut them until I measure the quilt size.

What do you mean by wavy pieces?

Thanks!

mjsylvstr

Remember that the first two borders are going to be shorter than the last two.

These last two will be the measurement of the first plus the width of the first x 2.

Always cut the second two borders after the first are attached and then remeasure.

jitkaau

Fold the material.

didi

Agree this site is great for info...

quiltaroni

Do not go thinking this is a great site for new quilters only,I have learned so many bits and pieces here and I am anything but new.