If you want better borders, so they are not flopping in the wind or somehow out of wack, but really hate math and measuring, this is for you. This is the method I have used since I started quilting and still use today. It works for me, give it try and you won’t be disappointed. Any questions, or unsure of any step, PLEASE contact me. I want you to have fun while making a better quilt!
Make sure your quilt top is nicely pressed.
Find center of the quilt top. Do this by folding the ends and marking middles with a pin, iron tap the center, or use a chalk mark.
Cut border fabric for the first two sides you will be applying. Make sure you go longer than your quilt top.
Line up border fabric on the top of each other, and find the centers of these pieces in the same manner. Mark them.
Match the center points of the border with the center of the quilt, pin them together well.
Gently, without pulling, lay the border strips down the middle of the quilt, keeping them all in line. Mark borders with pin, chalk or finger press where the borders meet the end of the quilt.
Trim your borders where marked.
Find the centers of borders by folding in half and iron press center ,this will help with registration marks.
Match centers of borders with center marks on ends of quilt, (PIN) right side together on top of quilt.
Match ends of borders to end of quilt making sure you have 90 degree angle in corners and pin.
Pin more of the borders on the side making sure they will not shift in sewing. Add more pins to hold border as you sew. Ease in any fabric (if needed) between already pinned points. Now Sew! Do not sew over the pins.
Now that you have your two borders applied, press.
Now find the center again and mark.
Again, find your center on the borders to match to your center on the quilt top. Gently bring across the quilt. Mark the ends where they meet the end of your quilt top and trim.
Find your centers again and pin in the same manner as you did the others. (if quilt is large, fold into quarters for borders and quilt) this will help with registration marks.
Finished, square and no trimming needed.
Lake House Quilts & Art Retreat 