Close This Ad
search

connect with us

  • facebook icon
  • twitter icon
  • pinterest icon
  • newsletter icon
grab our freebies
patterns and tips
patterns using precuts
quilts for kids
free bag patterns
 
find it
scrappy quilts
appliqué patterns
tip of the day
apq radio
tool school
shop locator
moda bake shop ideas
 
do it
learn basics
organize quilt supplies
pillowcase challenge
watch videos
get our newsletter
buy cover patterns
 
Quilts and More Quarterly Challenge - Vote now for your favorite pillowcase!
Quilts and More cover
Quilt Sampler cover
 

TRY TECHNIQUES | FINISHING

Squaring Up a Quilt

After quilting, it's important to square up your quilt before binding and finishing it.
  • Share
  • Print
  • Comments
 

Trimming Your Quilt

After quilting, the sides of your quilt may be slightly different in length. You can equalize the difference by measuring through the middle of the quilt both horizontally and vertically, and using these measurements (plus seam allowances) when figuring the binding length on each side.

You may wish to trim the quilt until the sides are equal, but if the amount you’re trimming is significant, keep in mind that you may alter the proportion and balance of the borders. You may also alter the difference between the quilting motifs and the quilt edge from one border to the next.

To begin squaring up your quilt, it’s best to lay your project on a rotary-cutting mat on a flat surface.

Position a large acrylic square ruler in one corner of the quilt, aligning adjacent edges of the ruler with adjacent edges of the quilt top. Place a long acrylic ruler above the square ruler, aligning the long edge with the quilt top edge. Using a rotary cutter, cut away the batting and backing that extend beyond the quilt top edge. Reposition the rulers and cutting mat as needed to trim around the entire quilt.

If you do not wish to rotary-cut the excess batting and backing, mark the cutting line along the ruler edge, and then use scissors to trim on the line.

More to check out:
Green Pinwheels
Four-Square Pillow
Dotty Stars


Enlarge Image Enlarge Photo
 
Marketing Promo 544x100
 
Add a Comment
 
American Patchwork & Quilting 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge - They need your help! Click here!
AllPeopleQuilt on Facebook
Free e-newsletter - sign up now!