Quilt borders define the frame for the quilt. Borders are visual balance elements, and finish the design. But incorrectly attaching the borders is a widespread issue among quilters. They mostly get puckers, tucks, or wavy edges, which change the quilt's original appearance. To achieve clean, professional results, it is necessary to learn to accurately measure and compute the border length.
Why Wavy Borders Cause Problems
Borders that are too long or short can create multiple issues:
- Quilts with excess fabric may puff or wave after quilting, creating uneven surfaces
- Borders that are too tight can pull on corners, causing puckers or tucks.
Many quilters have shared examples where a border that wasn’t measured correctly caused the quilt top to ripple, even after meticulous piecing. Quilting often presents these issues even when the piecing looks fine from a distance.
The Right Way to Measure Borders
If you want to avoid these problems, apply these experts' methods:
Measure in 3 Places
- measure across the center and near but not on each edge. These 3 numbers should not vary more than 1/2". If they do why? Cutting incorrectly? Hold the rotary cutter straight not on an angle. Accurate 1/4" seam allowance. Measuring accurately.
Calculate Border Length Accurately
- Average these 3 measurements (add together and divide by 3). This is the size to cut your borders. Quarter the borders and the quilt and match these points up. Pin at these 4 points and the ends and make the borders fit.
Tips to Maintain Accuracy
- Warping can be alleviated by thoroughly pressing the quilt top before attaching the borders.
- The border edge should have plenty of pins or clips used on it.
- Strips should be cut after measurements have been checked twice.
Conclusion
Borders are more than a simple decorative feature; they are there to keep your quilt flat, ensure proper alignment, and provide high-quality support. Accurately measuring through the center and near each edge to determine the length of the strip, because it will be important for a professional finish. Your binding, whether it is bias or straight, will also be neatly finished when attached.
Fabrics by the Creek on-line has a great selection of high-quality fabrics, panels, and pre-cuts for your next quilting project, making your quilts look professional and polished.