How to Attach Quilt Borders

Quilt borders can be straight-cut long strips, pieced, appliquéd, or mitered and, depending on the fabric, can echo the patterns in the quilt or provide a colorful contrast. Adding borders to a quilt is a process that requires precise measuring and cutting for a finished, professional look.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure that the quilt is "squared up" by stitching straight lines. Press seams frequently and away from the center. Keep the threads trimmed.

2. Choose the fabric or fabrics for the quilt border. Cut strips of the border fabric the width of the desired finished border plus 1/2 inch (two times the seam allowance). Cut two strips are a bit wider than the quilt top.

3. Lay the quilt top on a flat surface. Smooth the fabric and make sure that it is squared up. Lay the two border strips across the center of the quilt, one on top of the other.

4. Use the rotary cutter and trim the ends of the border strips using the edge of the quilt as a guide so that the strips are the same width as the quilt top. Pin the border strips right sides together to the quilt top.

5. Sew the borders to the quilt top using a 1/4 inch seam. Press the seam away from the center. Place the quilt on a flat surface and lay border strips across the middle, perpendicular to the border strips now in place.

6. Trim the ends with a rotary cutter so that the two strips are as wide as the quilt top plus the newly added borders.

7. Pin the next two border strips in place, again making sure that the edges are even. Sew the strips in place using a 1/4 inch seam. Trim all the threads and press the seam away from the center.

8. Measure the batting and binding to fit the quilt top. Sandwich the three layers and pin the binding in place. Sew on the binding to finish the quilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Use enough pins to securely hold the fabric in place and keep the edges even.