Quilt Border Patterns: Creative Ideas and Tips

Choosing the Perfect Quilt Border Patterns

Quilt borders frame and complete your quilt design. From my experience, selecting border patterns can be an exciting final step when piecing together a quilt. The options are endless! Do you go for simple straight borders to showcase an intricate quilt pattern? Or make a statement with a vibrant zigzag or diagonal border? Here I’ll guide you through the process of selecting border patterns for your next quilting project.

Considerations When Choosing Quilt Borders

Complementing your central design. The main focal point of any quilt is the central design in the middle. Your choice of border should complement the central pattern and blocks. For example, if your central quilt uses multiple prints in boutique fabric collections, stick to solid color borders. The solids frame the prints beautifully without competing.

Border style and width. Borders can finish a quilt with a simple straight line or add more visual interest with angles, curves and applied trim. Slim 1-4 inch borders keep the emphasis inward. For scrap quilts with lots of variety, wide 6-8 inch borders balance out the busyness. Play around with border widths and styles when deciding.

Fabric choice. Select border fabric that has enough contrast from the central design without clashing. I’ve seen stunning quilts use a single print for both the center blocks and border. This gives a framed “picture” look. If using multiple border prints, ensure they complement each other.

Types of Quilt Borders

1. Straight Borders

Going the straightforward route allows the main quilt pattern to shine. Straight borders containing squares or rectangles give a tidy, finished look. For best results, cut border strips across the fabric grain for less stretch.

2. Mitered Borders

Mitering quilt borders diagonally at the corners takes straight borders up a notch. Cutting border strips accurately makes sharp 45 degree angled corners that interlock neatly. It adds tailored polish to any quilt.


3. Piano Key Borders

Alternating lengths of border fabric resembling black and white piano keys gives lively movement to borders. Making numerous straight cuts for the “keys” takes time but delivers visual rhythm.

4. Zig Zag Borders

Sewing narrow border strips together in a zig zag pattern makes interesting quilted waves across all sides. The trick is in cutting precise angles for smooth up and down points around the quilt.

5. Applique Borders

Applying fun shaped fabric pieces in borders personalizes a quilt. Try hearts, flowers, leaves or abstract shapes that overlap each other. Applique by hand or machine along the borders to attach.


6. Pieced Borders

For variety, piece together units like triangle squares, pinwheels or interlocking blocks in borders. Use leftover fabric from the main quilt or introduce more complementary prints.

I faced endless options deciding on borders for a bold graphic floral quilt I made. From my experience, I learned not to overcomplicate the border or it would compete too much. I settled on simple navy blue fabric borders to frame the prints. It allowed the gorgeous fabrics to shine while giving a polished finish.

Measuring for Quilt Borders

Achieving neatly mitered corners where quilt borders meet takes precision. Here’s a foolproof way to calculate border measurements:

1. Lay quilt top right side up and smooth flat.
2. At the mid-point of each side, measure from top to bottom including seam allowances. Record measurements.
3. Total the four measurements and divide by two to get the average.
4. Cut two border strips that length for top and bottom borders.
5. Pin then sew borders to quilt top, matching mid-points.
6. Repeat process measuring and cutting side borders.
7. Sew side borders, easing fullness at corners to fit.

I admit winging border width and length resulted in wobbly corners on a few past quilts! Once I started measuring precisely according to those steps, perfectly straight borders happened every time. Give it a try for flawless results.

At first glance choosing quilt border patterns seems secondary to the main event – the central quilt design. But border decisions impact the overall look substantially. Complementing internal blocks, allowing breathing space or adding quirky personality with piano keys or zig zags comes down to personal preference. Perhaps start with simple straights to showcase intricate piecing the first go round. Then experiment with other border styles once your confidence grows. The quilting world always benefits from innovation!

What experiences have you had selecting quilt border patterns? Feel free to share any challenges or triumphs. We all learn from each other. Hopefully these tips set you up for border success on your next quilting arts adventure. Time to get creative with the bindings and borders!

FAQ

What are some good borders for quilt patterns?

1. A basic straight or zigzag stitch border is always a solid choice. These simple borders let the main quilt pattern shine while neatly framing the edges.
2. If you want something more eye-catching, pieced borders made from quilt block scraps can look amazing. Kind of like a colorful rainbow wrapping around the quilt.
3. Can’t decide between colors? Go for a bold prairie points border – the triangular points lend great texture and movement.

How wide should my quilt borders be?

4. Borders around 2-5 inches wide generally work well for most quilt sizes. Wider borders may overwhelm a smaller lap quilt.
5. However, on a large bed-sized quilt, a wide 8-10 inch border can balance out the quilt and make it pop. So kind of depends?
6. If in doubt, I’d say start with a 2-3 inch border sewn on with basic stitches. You can always add more borders to make it wider.

What fabric is best for borders?

7. Typically you’ll want to match the border fabric with the patches or blocks on the main quilt. Continuing the color scheme gives a cohesive look.
8. But a contrasting color border can also really make the central pattern stand out. So you have options here!
9. Just maybe avoid borders that are super busy patterns or prints – let the border frame the quilt without distracting from it, you know?