These instructions for measuring and sewing straight borders to a quilt can be used to add any type of border.
Straight Sewn Borders
Straight sewn quilt borders, also called butted borders, are quick and easy to sew—that’s probably why they are the most commonly used borders for quilts. Borders are usually sewn to the two longest sides of the quilt first and then to the remaining two sides with the final two extending straight across the ends of the first borders. The steps are:
You could also opt to place a diagonal seam between pieced border strips instead of a seam that runs across each strip’s width. Connect the strips with the same technique used for continuous binding strips.
Tips
Some quilters prefer to measure a quilt’s length and width in multiple spots, add those lengths together, and then divide the total by the number of measurements taken to determine an average. Borders are then cut to match the average length. Sometimes you will find that it’s best to add top and bottom borders first to avoid the need for piecing those border strips. Use the same method, but measure horizontally first and start at the Short sides. Determine which borders to sew first to make the best use of your fabric.
