Instructions for mitering borders

The following are instructions for mitering borders on a quilt.

1.  Measure quilt top without borders.  Measure through the center and also across each end.  Hopefully the measurements are the same, if not take an average.  Write this measurement down.  Then measure the other direction in the same manner.

2. Calculate the correct length for each border.  Take the total border width (finished size, add together if multiple borders are used) and multiply by 2.  Add 2 inches.  Take this number and add to the quilt measurement from step 1.  This is the length your borders need to be cut.  The example below shows 3 borders measuring 1″, 3″ & 1″, for a finished size of 5″ wide added to a quilt measuring 60″ x 80″.  Here’s the math:

[(5 X 2) + 2] + 60 = 72″ long; will be sewn to the top and bottom of the quilt.

[(5 X 2) + 2] + 80 = 92″ long; will be sewn to the sides.

3. Cut the border strips to the length calculated above.  Sew the borders together if necessary to make one border unit.

4. Mark the wrong side of the quilt top at 1/4″ from each corner.  Look closely to see the dot marked in the corner of the quilt below.

5.  Pin the border unit to the quilt.  Fold the border unit in half to find the center point; use a pin to mark.  Position the border unit right side up on your pinning surface.  Also mark with a pin the center of the quilt edge onto which you will be sewing the border.  Align both center pins and begin pinning in the center moving out to each edge.   The quilt top should be wrong side up directly atop the border unit with edges aligned (right sides facing).

6. Sew the border to the quilt top.  Starting on the dot marked 1/4″ away from one corner, place needle in the down position and take a few stitches.  Backstitch back to the dot and then continue sewing the entire length of the border, maintaining a 1/4″ seam until you reach the dot marking 1/4″ away from the other corner.  Backstitch there, too, but be careful in every corner not to extend stitches beyond the marked dots.  Attach the other 3 border units in the same manner.

8.  Create the miter.  Start in any corner and align the border strips folding the quilt top at a 45 degree angle.  Pin to secure as shown in the picture below.

9.  Draw a sewing line.  Use a ruler with a 45 degree guide and draw the line starting at the precise point where the stitching begins (this point is where the dot was marked, although you will not be able to see the dot).  See pictures below:

10.  Sew along the drawn line.  Again, it’s best to drop your needle at exactly the point where the other stitches begin, taking a few stitches, backstitch back to the start and then sew following the drawn line to the edge.  Notice in the picture below how the bulk of the quilt is positioned out of the way behind the needle.

11. Check the miter to make sure it looks good before doing any trimming.

12. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.

13.  Press the seam allowance open.

14. Finish by mitering the other 3 corners.

That’s it!  YOU’RE DONE!  If you have any questions or comments, drop me a comment and I will respond.  This is my favorite mitering method, but there are several.