Mitred Borders

the applique method

www.thequiltersjewel.com

A mitred border is an effective way to really frame your quilted project. If you have experienced frustration trying to stitch the mitre on your sewing machine, try this method instead.

Cutting the border strips:

Square your project and trim it to size.

Decide how wide you want your whole border to be. Add ½” for seam allowance. You can always trim it later.
Calculate the finished size of the project once the borders are attached.
      Example: The project centre is 12” x 16”. The border is 3”.
                      The finished size is (12+3+3) by (16+3+3).
You will need to cut the border strips to length according to the finished size of the project plus a few extra inches.
      Example: Our calculation showed that the finished project with borders will be 18” x 22”.
                      Cut 2 border strips 20” and 2 border strips 24”.
You’ve already decided on the border width so now you’re ready to cut. Cut all 4 border strips.
      Example: Cut 3 ½” strips. Cross cut to make two 20” strips and two 24” strips.

Sewing the borders to the quilt: Find and mark the centre of each border strip and each side of the quilt project. With right sides together, match the centre and pin the border to the quilt project. Sew the border to the quilt stopping ¼” from each edge of the quilt, remembering to back tack your seams. Press the border back so the seam allowance under the border. Continue adding the borders one at a time, pressing each one back before sewing the next one.

Making mitred corners: Lay the project right side up on a work surface. Lay the ends of top and bottom borders over the side borders. Turn each end of the top and bottom border under to create a 45° angle from the corner of the quilt top to the outer corner of the border. Pin in place and stitch down using a hand appliqué stitch. Trim excess fabric along the mitre.

Multiple Borders: Sometimes several smaller borders are combined to create a quilt border. If there are several borders in the project, sew the strips together first. Cut the borders to length according to the calculation above. Then sew them to the project according to these directions.

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