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  1. #1
    ADKSusie is offline Junior Member
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    Question Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Hi! I just recently joined this forum. I have just started quilting again after a long layoff due to some medical challenges. I am making a 10 min block quilt. I have made the blocks, sewn them together, and have added the first border. For the second border the instructions say to cut the border parallel to the selvage. This is so you don't have to piece the border. The side borders are 78 1/2". I have 5 1/4 yds of fabric which includes yardage for the binding. I only have a 24" ruler. How do I cut these strips without messing them up? Help! I'm confused. Thanks Sue

  2. #2
    Sandy Navas's Avatar Sandy Navas is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Sue, I'm not certain that I am right, but I'd cut a piece about 80 inches long and width of fabric. Fold it end to end so that the selvage is lined up and then fold it in half again. You would wind up with four layers 20 inches long. Place your ruler and cut the width you want - then cut a second piece. (I would trim the selvage off first). I am assuming the top and bottom are shorter, but go ahead and cut those the same length.

    You do know that to measure you should fold your quilt top in the middle and measure the middle side to side; then fold it lengthwise and measure the middle top to bottom. When you put your border on you may or may not need to ease in a bit - this is where your walking foot is handy.

    Good luck. I often cut four layers with absolutely no problem. Just make sure you don't let your ruler slip on you.
    Be warned. I am BORED.
    This could be dangerous.

    When you get cold just go stand in the corner.
    They are usually 90 degrees.

    A giraffe's coffee would be cold by the time it reached the bottom of his throat.
    Ever think about that? No? You only think about yourself??

  3. #3
    katier825 is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    I always do my own measurements because I find that patterns sometimes have errors. I lay the quilt out, then lay the border fabric out along the center of the long side first and cut it a couple of inches longer so that it's easier to handle. I fold the fabric a few times, then carefully cut the width. You have to be careful to line the ruler up with the folds. You can also cut, slide the ruler down, cut more, etc. I've gotten comfortable with making a few layers, then cutting.

    I follow Bonnie Hunter's border hints in how to properly measure the fabric and mine always come out perfect:

    http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...der-hints.html

  4. #4
    Bubby's Avatar Bubby is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    I cut my lengthwise borders the way Sandy described above. Never use the measurement in your directions, as the size of your quilt top can vary depending on the accuracy of your seams and the fabric. Good Luck....Barb

  5. #5
    Denis's Avatar Denis is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Depending on the quality of fabric I'm using, I tear my fabric the width I need for my borders. Other times while tearing, I'll add an inch to my measurements (i.e. if I need 5.5" borders, I'll tear 4 pieces at 6.5"). I press the torn edges. I then lay the fabric on my cutting mat with some hanging over the edge of the table. I use my ruler to trim away 1/2" on both sides of the fabric (x4) the length of my ruler. Advance the fabric and cut again. It takes longer but I have no fear of getting "V"s if I fold my fabric to cut it all at once. Hope this makes sense.

  6. #6
    ADKSusie is offline Junior Member
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    Red face Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Thank you Sandy for the reply. That is exactly what I was looking for! And yes, I do know to measure my quilt and not rely on the measurements in the instructions. I have already found a misprint in them. Thanks for everyone's help. I will post a pic of the top once I'm finished putting the borders on so I can get suggestions on quilting it. That is.....if I can figure out how to post pics. One problem at a time! Sue

  7. #7
    Sandy Navas's Avatar Sandy Navas is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Quote Originally Posted by Denis View Post
    Depending on the quality of fabric I'm using, I tear my fabric the width I need for my borders. Other times while tearing, I'll add an inch to my measurements (i.e. if I need 5.5" borders, I'll tear 4 pieces at 6.5"). I press the torn edges. I then lay the fabric on my cutting mat with some hanging over the edge of the table. I use my ruler to trim away 1/2" on both sides of the fabric (x4) the length of my ruler. Advance the fabric and cut again. It takes longer but I have no fear of getting "V"s if I fold my fabric to cut it all at once. Hope this makes sense.
    Denis, now you are just showing us what makes you such a fantastic quilter . . . just another reason we're all loading up on a bus and heading your way. Hope you know how to make biscuits and gravy! Oh, and for lunch . . . .
    Be warned. I am BORED.
    This could be dangerous.

    When you get cold just go stand in the corner.
    They are usually 90 degrees.

    A giraffe's coffee would be cold by the time it reached the bottom of his throat.
    Ever think about that? No? You only think about yourself??

  8. #8
    Denis's Avatar Denis is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    Sandy, C'mon up! We're serving chicken wings tonight! Your choice of BBQ or Buffalo.

  9. #9
    sunnyQLDmum's Avatar sunnyQLDmum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Question about cutting boarders paralell to the selvage.

    mmmm.... I've never had Buffalo wings before.....
    Find my creations on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/tinabartondesigns

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