Outer Border Ideas for Quilts
Borders can do more than frame a quilt; for example, a border can give the eye a place to rest, repeat colors or patterns within the quilt itself or add a sense of whimsy. Adding a border to your quilt is an important step in the quilting process. Take the time to consider the possibilities; you will be pleased with the results.
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Plain and Simple Borders
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For a simple border to your quilt, add strips of fabric along the edges in coordinating fabrics. The border can have straight or mitered corners. Choose one of the fabrics found in the quilt top or a coordinating fabric. A solid white or cream colored fabric can create a frame for your work, much like a mat around a picture.
Accents
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Dress your plain borders by adding appliques that coordinate with your quilt's theme. For example, if you choose an Ohio Star quilt block pattern for your quilt, you can applique star shapes on your border. Sew lace or trims along the edges to make a quilt more feminine. Add buttons or tied stitches to give the border more dimension. Embroider names, dates or favorite sayings on the border to personalize the quilt.
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Quilted Borders
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Use free motion quilting to apply stitching in swirls or arcs on your border. Choose a quilting design for your border that differs from the quilting pattern on the body; this will add more interest to the overall design.
Stitch a design from your quilt onto your border that incorporates the motif of your quilt. For example, if you have a butterfly applique in your quilt, create a free form butterfly design in your border stitching.
Cornerstones
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Cornerstones are squares of fabric added at the corners of your border. The squares should be in a solid color fabric or a fabric of a different color or pattern than your border so they stand out. Place one square at each corner of the border.
Patterned Borders
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Your quilt pattern should determine your border. Incorporate a pattern that adds to the overall look and theme of your quilt. For example, piece your border using a nine-patch pattern, pinwheels or a harlequin pattern along the edges. Choose fabrics that coordinate with your quilt top fabrics.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit quilts image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com
