Spring Quilt-a-Long: Borders and Layering

May 10, 2017
Spring Sampler Double Loop Vine

Good Morning, Quilters!

By the end of today we will have a pieced quilt top and a quilt sandwich, ready for (my favorite part) quilting!

Yesterday, we completed the HST triangles and stitched all the rows together.

Today:  Borders and Layering the Quilt Sandwich

BORDERS

The Spring Sampler has top and bottom borders only–of course, YOU should be your own designer!

Measuring and Cutting the Borders:

MY SISTERS’ METHOD

My sisters are both excellent quilters and they do not like my method…Use the method that works best for you…

(If it’s my method be sure to comment–so my sisters see who is always right.

If you like their method better–HUSH!  We don’t want them to start a competitive blog…)

MY SISTERS’ METHOD  Measure across the middle, measure across each edge–find the average and cut the border the average width.

MY NO-MEAUSRE METHOD

I use a no-mark border method for all of my quilt borders–from very large to very small.

In my not-always-humble opinion, or maybe it’s just me…taking three measurements can induce error.

Press the top well.

Lay it out on a table–very straight.  (If the quilt is large, fold it in half lengthwise and fold the border in half lengthwise)

Align the border on a horizontal line in the middle of the quilt.  It must very straight.

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Trim the sides even with the edges of the quilt top.

That’s it!  Perfect border size!

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Place the border on the quilt top, right sides together.  Pin the edges, then the middle and ease the border onto the quilt top.

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

DESIGN DECISIONS

When I auditioned the border fabric, it seemed perfect…but once it was stitched in place, I wasn’t so sure…

I hate when that happens…

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Maybe it was too wide…

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Even folded over to a narrower width, it wasn’t singing to me.

Darn it!

I unstitched it and added a solid border.

The solid border looks a little boring now, but once we add the magic of machine quilting…

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

THE QUILT SANDWICH

Cut the backing fabric 2-3 inches larger than the quilt top.  (More if it’s a large quilt).

Prep the backing by pressing well with a little spray starch or sizing.  This will help the quilt slide while machine quilting.

Secure it–right side down–to a table top.  Use tape or clamps.

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Cut the batting the same size as the backing.

I used Warm and Natural (The Warm Company) cotton batting for my first Spring Sampler and am trying Warm and Plush for this one.  Warm and Plush is described as “the warmest natural quilt batting”–“Perfect for loved ones that can never seem to get warm”–yep, that’s me!!

It will be interesting to see how they compare.

I did not pre-soak either one. (Another day’s comparison.)

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Layer the batting on top of the backing.

Place the quilt top in the center.

Baste the quilt top with pins or spray.

I used Sulky KK2000-It’s odorless, clear and non-toxic.  I felt comfortable using it indoors.  KK 2000 is a temporary spray–it only lasts a few days…but I have found it helps hold things together for a lot longer when I’m quilting a small project.

Spray the back of the batting. Smooth it over the backing.

Spray the top of the batting.  Layer your quilt on top and smooth.

Do not press the quilt top–Ironing removes the adhesive.

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Perfect!

Our blank canvas is ready to quilt!!!

Spring Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

We will start next Tuesday.

Be ready.

Have YOUR quilt sandwich prepared!

Speaking of prepared sandwiches…

Here’s What Gaby’s cooking!  Looks delicious!

And my daughter made these Moroccan Chicken Skewers said they were fabulous, too!

I must be hungry again…maybe I should eat a better breakfast?

Lori

PS… All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

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