Trimming a Quilt

Even if you square every single piece, a quilt needs overall trimming.

Quilting often seems like a daunting project, with many steps and elaborate designs. However, whether creating a simple square or extensive masterpiece, there's one step that is integral to the final look of the quilt -- trimming. One of the most simple steps of creating a quilt, it is also one of the most integral. Also called squaring, the trimming process removes excess material around the edges of the quilt before the backing is added, creating a finished look to the piece.

Things You'll Need

• Quilted top layer
• Square quilting ruler
• Sewing pencil
• Scissors
• Batting
• Ruler
• Backing material

Instructions

1. Place the quilted top layer on your flat work surface, smoothing out any wrinkles or snags.

2. Place the square ruler in one of the corners, until they are against the edges. Draw around the square corner on any excess material that hangs off of the corner.

3. Cut around the drawn lines -- this ensures that the corner will be a 90-degree angle.

4. Place the batting underneath the trimmed quilt top. Measure around it by an even 1/4 inch, or desired excess length, using the ruler. Mark this measurement using the pencil.

5. Cut out the batting, using the squaring ruler to ensure it also is squared. Trim away any excess if needed. Repeat for the backing material.

Tips & Warnings

• Square the corners of a quilt before placing the backing material on it, otherwise, it might eschew the final product severely.

References

• Quilters Cache: Lesson Five --Making /Adding Binding!
• Quiltville: Binding Tips!