How to Add Border to Quilt

The darker, contrasting border visually pulls this quilt together.

A quilt top consists of several different parts. The quilt squares, the sashing and the border all combine to -- hopefully -- form an attractive and visually appealing top. The border, though the last part of the quilt top to be assembled, serves to frame the quilt, tie it together visually and can even be used to increase the size. Adding a border to a quilt is a straightforward process.

Basics

The quilt border is the outermost strip of fabric that frames the quilt. Borders are often made from colors that occur in the quilt or from complementary or contrasting colors or prints. Borders are usually wider than the quilt sashing, but should be kept in proportion. Remember to leave a seam allowance for sewing. Pieces can be joined to make the strips long enough.

Types

The lapped corner and the interrupted corner are two popular quilt border styles. A lapped corner border is the simplest type to attach and works well for solids and many prints. The side strips go to the outside edge of the top and bottom strips to form a square corner. An interrupted border has a contrasting block at each corner where the border strips meet. Interrupted corner borders work well with any pattern of fabric.

Lapped Corner Border

Measure the quilt across the middle and cut two border strips that length. Pin and stitch a strip to the quilt top, right sides together. Repeat at the bottom. Next, measure the quilt down the middle from the top, including the top and bottom border strips. Cut two side strips to that length. Pin and stitch a strip to each side. The quilt top will be completely framed by a solid border.

Interrupted Corner Border

Make top and bottom strips as with the lapped border. Before attaching those, measure down the middle of the quilt and cut side strips that length. Cut four squares from contrasting fabric the same width as the strips. Attach a square to each end of the side strips, right sides together. Pin and stitch the top and bottom strips to the quilt. Attach the side strips, matching the seam lines at each corner.

References

• Quilting Assistant: Quilting Techniques -- Quilt Borders
• Quilting Bible; Part of Singer Sewing Reference Library; Singer