Making a Panel Quilt Part 2: The First Two Borders

Making a Panel Quilt Part 2: The First Two Borders

Whether it’s long rows of sashing or long borders, getting them straight and flat is essential. Especially if you are making a wall quilt. 

ONE-HALF INCH IS THE THRESHOLD. 

Start with the cutting. Make sure your folds are lined up with the lines of your cutting mat. Cut your first border strips.

Cutting border strips for panel quilt

Measure your project—both sides. If you have more than 1/2” difference, figure out why before you move on. Use the average number of both sides and cut your borders 1/2” longer. 

Start from the middle and pin. You shouldn’t be more than 1/4” different on each side. Don’t stretch or pull. Again, if you are off, figure out why be-fore you sew. We have a long way to go and if you start off crooked, it will only get worse with each border you apply. 

Square off your corners.

Squaring off corners for quilt

My project is not exact. I’m off 1/4” from one side to the other. I’m ok with that. My corners are square and I’m in good shape for the pieced border. 

Square corners panel quilt project

Square corners panel quilt project

Sew sincerely, 

Mary 

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