How to Fix Quilted Borders
The classic saying "measure twice and cut once" is critical in the craft of quilting. In order to measure properly, the fabric must first be pressed to ensure a flat surface and correct measurement. Pressing each piece of fabric that will be included in a quilt top sounds daunting, but the time initially put forth in this process will prevent "wavy" quilt borders and confirm properly measured blocks.
Instructions
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Pre-wash all fabric before use. Pre-washing will prevent shrinking and ensure the quilt can be washed after sewn together without shrinking or causing the quilt to pull.
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2
Press the fabric to be utilized. Be sure the fabric is not stretching from the middle. If it is, the iron is being pushed and not lifted and pressed.
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3
Square all blocks before sewing them together. Properly squared blocks will sew together flat.
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4
Sew blocks together with a consistent seam allowance. All seams should be 1/4 inch or less.
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Measure the completed quilt. Average the lengths of the two parallel sides for each direction. For example, if the quilt is 80 inches on one length and 79 inches on the other length, borders would be cut to 79 1/2 inches. If the width were 40 inches on one side and 38 inches on the parallel width, the borders would be cut to 39 inches. If the discrepancy is greater than two inches, adjust the quilt. Wavy borders will not be able to be prevented if the variance between the parallel lengths is greater than 2 inches and pleats will need to be added to correct the error.
Averaging the lengths of the parallel sides will prevent pulling and warping on the borders. By lengthening one side, just a little, and shortening the other side, just a little, the tension created will pull the quilt flat and prevent wavy borders.
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Pin the borders to the quilt. It is easiest if the borders are pinned at quarter lengths to the quilt. To pin at quarter lengths, it is easiest to simply fold the border fabric in half and then half again. Mark the length division and attach to the quilt at the same quarter-length division along the quilt.
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Attach the long borders first. This will help create the proper tension for the fabric.
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Attach the short borders last.
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Tips & Warnings
If the borders are wavy after attaching, remove all stitching, remeasure and divide the length in fourths. Mark borders on the quilt itself, and pin every quarter along the length of the quilt and every quarter length along the border fabric. Match the quarter lengths up and add additional pins. This step will be unnecessary with a self-feeding machine.
Lay the quilt on a flat surface (such as a table, not a carpeted area) and check for lifted areas or any sections not laying flat before adding the border.
References
- Photo Credit Blue and coral quilt block background image by Bluebird from Fotolia.com
