ORILLIA QUILTERS’ GUILD

Promoting Interest and Excellence in Quilting

TIPS

Measurements should be taken across the center of the quilt in two or three places for both the width and the length.

To make a border with straight-cut corners:

1. Determine the length of the quilt border by averaging the two or three center measurements of the quilt body.

2. Cut TWO borders that length and pin them to opposite sides of the quilt.  Match the ends and centers, then gently ease in any fullness.

3. Pin, sew and press

4. Repeat for the top and bottom borders measuring the width.

 

ADDING BORDERS ON A QUILT

BACKINGS FOR QUILTS

1. 100% cotton is recommended!

2. Bed sheets or tightly woven fabrics do not quilt well,  resulting in poor quality stitches, skipped stitches and stitching that appears raised (the needle pokes a hole in the tightly woven fibers).

3. Take in to account what colour threads you want used for the quilting as it will be the same colour on the back.  Having a colourful and patterned backing is excellent since any change of thread colour won’t be as noticeable.

4. If you washed the fabrics in your quilt top, make sure to wash your backing. (NOTE: Muslin has a higher degree of shrinkage than your regular quilting fabrics.)

5. Be aware if your backing has a directional pattern that needs to lined up with the quilt top.

6. If piecing your backing, remove the backing selvages to prevent any puckering.

7. It is preferable that your backing be squared and at least 3-4” larger than the quilt top on all sides if you are having it machine quilted. (batting 2-3” larger)

8. Make sure backing fabric is completely pressed, with all seams pressed flat.

Lint Rollers—keeping one handy while you press and sew can keep your work free of those pesky loose threads, but the rollers can also be fitted onto a regular paint roller and be used for the big clean up of your work station at the end of your sewing day!