Steps 3 and 4 in the Crazy Quilt assembly process are both optional. In the case of my Marie Antoinette quilt, I wanted to sash my blocks with a pretty pink trim.. This has to be done at this point. If you choose to use trim to sash your blocks, add that now:
I hand sewed the trim on down the seam lines.
Step 4 - Adding Borders
Again, this step is optional. If you choose to add borders to your crazyquilt, this is how I do it.
First, you'll have to decide on how wide you want your borders. I wanted 3 inch borders on this quilt and since I'm using 1/2 seam allowances, I cut my fabric strips 4 inches wide.
There are several ways to sew the borders on but I chose the easiest for this quilt. I added the side borders first and then did the top and bottom borders.
Lay your first border face down on your quilt. Line up the edges and pin, pin, pin!
Repeat the process on the other side border. Now you can sew them down. If you're wondering how to find your 1/4 inch or 1/2 seam allowance when the markings on your sewing machine are covered up by the foundation fabric, what I do is to measure and mark my seam allowance:
I use an air dissolving pen but you can use a pencil if you'd like. Mark you seam allowance every 2 inches and keep your marks small.
When you have both the side seams sewn down, remove the pins and press your seams.
Next, pin those first 2 borders down onto the foundation fabric, then add your top & bottom border repeating the process:
Again, remove the pins, press your seams and pin those borders down to the foundation fabric:
Trim any excess border fabric and then top stitch the edge of the border to the foundation fabric. You just want to sew it down along the outer edge.
At this point, I chose to hand sew more of my trim around the seam where the borders meet the quilt blocks:
If there is anything else you would like to sew on to your quilt, now is the time!
In Step 5 & 6, I will show you how to add a sleeve for hanging and how to add the "pretty" back at the same time.
Be sure to see Steps 1 and 2 of my
How To Assemble A Crazy Quilt on my Tutorials Page.
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2 comments:
Pam: This is a wonderful series, and I have learned some great new tips of assembling a crazy quilt. I'm new to CQ but a longtime sane quilter, so this is super helpful. You might want to publish this series to sell like your tutorials. Thank you for all you do. I suffer from depression, anxiety, etc. and find your articles so very helpful. I reread them from time to time. God bless you-Amy in LA
I'm enjoying this series of posts too Pam - there are several hints you've written about that I wish I had known earlier. I never thought of stitching heavier blocks to another foundation fabric - great idea!!
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