How to Do a Ribbon Border in Quilting

Edge a baby quilt with a satin ribbon border.

Create a soft, decorative quilting border from a thin or thick ribbon to use in place of traditional bias binding tape. The ribbon comes ready-made with finished outer edges for a simple bordering project and you can choose the type of fabric ribbon that best coordinates with your project. Use a wide, satin ribbon to border a soft, fleece baby’s quilt or use a slimmer, patterned grosgrain ribbon to embellish a solid-colored denim quilt.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt
• Ribbon of your choice
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the length of each side of the quilt.

2. Cut one piece of ribbon for each side. Cut each piece to the length of the side and cut the ends on a 45-degree angle to prevent the ends of the ribbon border from overlapping and create bulk.

3. Fold each strip of ribbon in half lengthwise and iron down the length of the ribbon to make a crease in each fold.

4. Slide one edge of the quilt in between the open, long edge of the ribbon. Pin the ribbon to the quilt and repeat with each piece of ribbon. Make sure the angled corners of the ribbon just touch but do not overlap significantly.

5. Sew a running stitch down the length of each ribbon. Sew near the edge of the ribbon, not the fold and sew through the quilt and both layers of ribbon.

6. Sew a running stitch down the adjacent edges of the angled corners of the ribbon. Sew through all layers.

7. Remove all the pins and enjoy the finished quilt.

References

• "Better Homes & Gardens"; Complete Guide to Quilting;2003
• "Quilting for Dummies"; Cheryl Fall; 2006