I’ve discovered a fun new border technique that looks much more difficult than it really is. The secret is rick-rack!
It’s actually a lot of fun to make, especially if you put squares in the corners so you don’t have to figure out how to make the sides come together ?.
Here’s how:
Measure the sides of your quilt top and cut background border strips at this measurement by your desired border width (this is my pink fabric and the four borders were cut 18 1/2″ x 5 1/2″)
Next – cut a piece of freezer paper at this measurement and fold it in half, then into quarters, and continue until it’s at about 3″ or 4″ wide. Then draw an “S” as in the photo below and cut out along the line (be sure the line begins at the bottom left, at least 1/4″ from the edge for stability).
Cut along this line. Open the paper patterns out and lay each along a border strip to see which curve looks best. Iron your chosen pattern to the right side of the second border fabric, shiny side down.
Cut 1/4″ away from the paper the entire length.
Peel the paper from the fabric and lay the rick rack so the bumps are just touching the curved edge on the right side of the fabric. Stitch in place down the center of the rick rack. When using the standard jumbo rick-rack, this stitching will be 1/4″ from the edge. (My thread matched in my original image, so it didn’t show – I added the dotted line to the photo to make it more obvious).
Fold the rick-rack to the back along the stitching and press (I didn’t think the dotted line was necessary this time ?).
Place this piece along the long edge of a border strip, right side up, and stitch in the ditch, on the rick-rack, in a thread color to match the rick-rack.
Repeat for the opposite border and attach both to the quilt.
Make the borders for the remaining sides. Cut the corner squares at the same width as the borders and sew one to each end of these border strips. Then add them to the quilt top.
It’s all done by machine and I think this border adds a lot of excitement to the quilt.
Please try this technique and let me know what you think. I’d love to see pictures!!!
Shellie Specter says
Great technique. There’s also a new ruler called Curvalicious that can be used to make the same curves.
Lisa Inlow says
This looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing it ?
Laurie Neubauer says
Chris,
These borders are darling. I was so intrigued with them while reading the directions, I missed looking at the intricate center of the quilt. Then I noticed it at the end, and thought what a beautiful center. How did you accomplish that?
Also, I like your thrifty way of saving money on expensive rulers by using freezer paper instead. My kind of techniques when you’re a senior on fixed income.
Thanks for these wonderful blogs and ideas.
Blessings to you,
Laurie N