Border Application Instructions

How To Apply Straight Borders To Your Quilt

It is very important to apply borders to your quilt properly. If your borders are not applied in this manner, you may end up with wavy borders that are larger than the center of your quilt. If there is a lot of excess fabric, they will pucker and not lie flat. This can lead to baggie areas in your quilt or tucks in the fabric when it is being quilted. Use the following steps to insure that you will end up with a nice, flat quilt top that will be much easier to quilt.


1. Measure the length of your quilt top through the center, and along each side. If the measurements are the same or within ½ inch of each other, then use the center measurement. If there is more than a ½ inch difference between these measurements, use the average of the three measurements. If dimensions are provided in a pattern, use them as a guide only. You must measure to get accurate results.

2. Cut your border length to this exact measurement. If you cut your fabric on the lengthwise grain, it will have less stretch and no seams. If you cut your border on the widthwise grain, it will have a little more stretch, so press and handle it carefully. If you need to piece your border, you can do so with a straight or diagonal seam (personal preference). Just make sure to press your seam open; not to one side, so it reduces bulk.

3. Mark the center and quarter points of the length of your borders as well as the side of your quilt top that you are applying them to. Matching the center and quarter points, pin (yes, I said pin!) your borders to your quilt top easing in any fullness. This step is necessary if there is any difference in measurement between the center of the quilt and the sides of the quilt!

4. Sew the borders to your quilt top, using a walking foot and ¼ inch seam allowance, easing in any of the fullness as you go. Press seams to the side.

5. Follow steps 1 - 4 for the borders that will run the width of your quilt top. Give your whole quilt top a good press on the top and back. Now you will have a nice, flat quilt top with no waves, and your quilter will be very happy!

For printable instructions, click on the link below.