The Secret to Borders That Behave

The Secret to Borders That Behave: Measuring Your Quilt in Three Spots

Let’s be real, adding borders is one of those steps that sounds easy, but can trip up even the most seasoned quilters. If you’ve ever wondered why your borders sometimes get a little “wavy,” you’re definitely not alone! Here’s a simple trick that’s made a world of difference in my own quilts: measuring in three places before cutting your border strips.

Why Measure in Three Spots?

Quilts shift and stretch. Measuring in just one place isn’t enough. Check three spots—left, center, right—for a better fit.

My Go-To Measuring Method

Lay your quilt flat—don’t tug or stretch.

1. Measure the length on the left edge, center, and right edge.

2. Jot down those numbers.

3. Add the numbers, then divide by 3 to get the average.

4. Cut border strips to that average length.

5. Pin borders at the ends and middle, then every few inches.

Repeat for top and bottom borders, measuring width.

Notice how the border ripples and waves along the edge instead of lying flat against the batting—this is a classic sign of a border that’s a bit too long for the quilt top. Wavy borders like these can make quilting tricky, as the extra fabric may cause puckers or pleats during quilting. Keeping borders flat and smooth helps ensure a beautiful, professional finish every time

What Happens If Borders Are Too Long (or Short)?

When borders end up longer than your quilt top, it’s tempting to just “make it fit”—but that’s often how waves start. Borders that are too long can ripple; too short, and they pull the quilt in. Both issues disrupt your finished quilt, just when you want everything to come together smoothly.

When you send your quilt top out for longarm quilting, flat borders make everything go more smoothly. Wavy borders can be tricky to work with and may result in small pleats or tucks that nobody wants. In some cases, if the borders are extra wavy, the quilt has to be removed from the quilting frame so the excess border fabric can be trimmed and reattached correctly. This not only takes extra time, but can also add an extra expense to your project—definitely not the fun part of quilting!

A flat quilt top looks crisp and polished!

A Few Extra Tips

• Always measure after you’ve pressed your quilt top.

• Use a long tape measure, not just a ruler or yardstick.

• Pin generously: at the ends, in the center, and every 6–8 inches.

• If measurements vary significantly, check the seams and press again.

No Quilt Guilt—Just Quilting Joy

Everyone’s had a border go wild. This trick cuts down frustration and helps you finish smoothly. Got questions or border stories? Let me know! Happy quilting!