Helen6869

I am making a wall-hanging approx. 30 by 50 inches and plan to use a piano keys border on it. For those of you who have made a piano keys border, what size should I cut the keys? I was thinking perhaps cutting them 1 1/2 in and finishing at 1 inch. Would that be too small? or too wide? And how wide should the finished border be? I hate sewing long strips together as I always manage to sew them wonkily (is that a word?). Thanks for any advice yall can give me! also, has anyone tried putting black keys into a piano key border at the proper intervals....just like a keyboard? Thank you for your input.

QuiltnNan

i don't think there are any 'set rules'. the width would be your preference and the keys don't even have to be equal widths as seen here http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBueBzJEdz...0715%2B005.JPG

SusieQOH

I've always wondered the same thing. For example- if you want them all the same size how to insure that they will be equal at the ends?
Maybe for me it's that I'm Math challenged and also design challenged

Irishrose2

By sewing in alternate directions. Sew the first two strips, the add the next and sew from the side you just finished. Keeps the completed row from bowing.
I strip pieced mine, which gave me a repeating pattern, but it was okay- I had enough colors that none were close together. Are you going to miter the corners? That's the tricky part.

Jane Quilter

Gosh I hope there are no rules....I've made them 18" long to turn a throw size into a twin sized quilt. And I've made them 6" to add random colors. All look great! Just go for it......

Helen6869

I plan to put a cornerstone in the corners.....completely avoiding the miter. Not my best work! Thanks for the tip on sewing strips together. I am using fat quarters so I think I may be able to keep them straighter. I know there are no set rules....just wondering what most people think looks best. Anyone disagree that one inch finished will be too small? Thanks for the input.

Helen6869

That quilt with the different sizes strips is really pretty too! Looks great with the variety!

Helen6869

I think you could fudge on the last strip to make it fit in. That's what I will have to do because it won't come out exactly equal. Thanks everyone!

Irishrose2

One inch will be perfect on a wall hanging that size. Mine usually finish at 2", but they are on 72" throws.

Helen6869

Thank you Irishrose. I made a sample and like how the 1 inch looks also. Now to git 'er done!