Mitred Border

How to add a Border Butted T Top border

How to make a Mitred Border

Measure the quilt in both directions to calculate a “base” measurement for each border.
Do not take the measurements on the edge of the quilt as the seams may have opened a little and will give a false result. Instead position the tape measure approximately 20 -30 cm in from the edge at both ends. Take a third measurement through the centre of the quilt.
Now average the three measurements to find the “base measurement".
However, If there is more than a 1cm variation in the measurements it means that the piecing seams are not even so go back to the quilt and adjust seams before adding border.

When your quilt sits, & hangs, flat you will be pleased that you took the time to do this!
To calculate the lengths that need to be cut for each border you must add an allowance for the mitre as follows:

“base measurement” + (width of border x 2) + approx 20cm

eg: if the quilt is 150cm x100cm and the borders will be 15 cm wide

150 + 30 + 20 = 200 cm cut 2 strips for vertical border

100 +30 + 20 = 150cm cut 2 strips for horizontal borders.

If using more than one border, strip piece the borders together before cutting to length. They are then treated like a striped fabric when joining them to the quilt.
Find the centre point in the length of the border. Now working out from the centre, mark half the “base measurement” length in both directions. You should have a "tongue" left over at each end which is equal to the extra that you have allowed for the mitre
Mark quarter points on the border and divide quilt edge into half way point and quarter points.

Stitch border to quilt matching quarter and half way points. Be sure to start and finish seam exactly ¼" from the raw edges.
Stitch one of the adjacent borders onto the quilt in the same manner, remembering to pin first border excess well out of way before adding the next border.
Make a mitre before continuing to add the other sides:

Fold the quilt in half diagonally so that the right sides are together
Pin match the seams so that they are aligned together.
Use the 45° angle line, marked on your ruler, to pencil a 45° stitching line from the corner of the quilt to the raw edge of the border.
Be sure to start the line exactly at the spot where the border stitching finished otherwise you will end up with a pleat.

Pinning the stitching line

Stitch on the line. Check mitre, trim excess fabric away and press seam open.

Continue adding the remaining borders and mitre the corners in the same manner.

The Secret to Making a Smooth Mitred Corner

stop stitching exactly 1/4" from corner of the quilt.
make the stitching line at an exact 45º angle.
keep the corner at an exact 90º angle.
be sure that the border sits flat with out any excess fullness around the corner seam.

Go to Butted "T" Top Border

Back to Machine Quilting

Home

Disclaimer:
We have tried to assure the accuracy of information on this website so please let us know if something needs to be corrected or if you have any questions relating to an individual product, pattern or information displayed. Although every effort has been made to give all information in clear, concise and understandable terms, some errors may occur. Read about our privacy and other business policies.

If you have any questions about this web site, or find any errors, please contact the Webmaster

Proud to be an Australian Website