Some quilts look good without borders added and some don’t. If you make a quilt that does not have a border because the pattern doesn’t call for it, you can always add one on. There are benefits to adding a border to a quilt whether your pattern calls for on or not. So this week I have chosen to do a post on border types and my tips on how to determine what kind would be right for your quilt. Let’s get started!
Border Types
No Border: First, there are some quilts that you will not want to add a border to so as not to detract from the overall design or secondary design that the blocks by themselves create. Here are two examples:
Both of these quilts have such strong patterns created by the quilt blocks, I felt that adding a border would detract from the visual effect. Although, for the quilt on the left, a plain dark border would be OK to add if I wanted to increase the size of the quilt. Mainly, the question you want to ask yourself when thinking about adding a border is “will is add to the design or will it hide the design?”.
Some table topper patterns look good without borders also. The two patterns below show that. If you had a plain border on either of these it might detract from the design.
Quiet Border: The next type of border is added, in my opinion, to frame the blocks but not bring attention to itself. It’s used also if you want to make a quilt bigger but don’t want to detract from the design. That’s why I call this one a “quiet border”. The two quilts below are examples:
In both cases I wanted to frame the quilt, yet I did not want the border to be the focus of the quilt. In fact, for Flower Boxes on the right, the border that matches the light background of the blocks makes the block pattern stand out even more, in my opinion.
Framing Border: This is similar to the solid border above but it’s not really as “quiet” because different color prints are being used to actually create the look of a real frame.
By alternating between the browns with a red print in the middle, I created a frame for the quilt blocks and appliqué. Yet it still doesn’t detract from the quilt blocks because the borders are plain strips of fabric. Also adding several plain border strips like this is another way to add size to your quilt.
Pieced Borders: These borders are used a lot to use up leftover fabric, make your quilt larger or to add an interesting design element. I use these types of borders a lot in my designs for those reasons.
Sometimes I add a pieced border to a quilt with no plain border separating it from the quilt blocks:
I did that with Star Struck because I liked how the flying geese border played off the star blocks and the light colored geese flowing through the quilt.
Other times I add a plain border between the pieced border and the blocks so the center is framed and the pieced border is more noticeable.
For Scrappy North Stars on the left, I put in a dark plain border between the blocks and the piano key scrappy border so it wouldn’t clash with the blocks. Also, look closely at the pieced border for Star Wheels on the right. The pieced border is a color print version of the black element of the pieced blocks that make up the quilt.
Then there is the combination pieced and plain border in reverse, like in Sister’s Reunion:
And finally… I wanted to do a unique pieced border on Seaside Cottage. Since the blocks in the center of the quilt are made up of small pieces, I decided to make a pieced border out of larger blocks:
I think it creates a nice balance and adds interest.
Appliqué Borders: Last, but definitely not least, are appliqué borders. These are usually plain borders that are used as a backdrop for an appliqué motif. These borders can be on the outside of the quilt blocks framing the quilt like the two pictured below:
Or you can appliqué in a border area and then frame that with plain borders like I did with Christmas Dreams:
So that’s my synopsis of border types that I use. Have I left out any that you like to use? Are you now inspired to border a quilt top just made up of block rows for some added fun? Leave a comment or question below and be entered into a drawing for my pattern, Twinkling Log Cabin:
The drawing will be on Monday, August 28th. Good luck!
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
I am very likely to add a border to almost every quilt I make. There are a few that I haven’t, but generally speaking, I like to frame my quilts. Plus there is the added benefit of securing all the seams in the main design so you don’t have stitches coming loose in the quilting process. Love all your border ideas!
Securing the seams in the main design is a good reason for adding a border. Something else to consider when you are deciding whether to add one or not.
Deanne, I totally agree with not always using borders. I find that sometimes the binding in the right color or value is enough to end the quilt top! And borders can be a chore to measure, cut and stitch so another good reason to leave them off, ha!!
I tend to add borders…I like big quilts! But, there are certainly quilts that just stand alone without the addition of a border. Thank you for the great review of all the options and considerations!
Thank you so much for your superb info on borders. You are the best!
I love this post about borders. I tend to add borders but they are seldom pieced ones. I need to branch out!
Love,love,love Twinkling Log Cabin pattern! I usually add borders. Love the pieced border look on the right quilt. Thank you for showing so many types of borders.
Great examples. I make a lot of charity quilts that need to be 60×70 so many times border is just to bring it up to size. Not ideal but quick solution.
Wow great explanation of different (and no) borders! You’ve really inspired me to try some new ones!
Wonderful overview of borders and the ol’ ‘ border or not’ question. I also choose to border only some quilts, usually just framing but make pieced borders or appliqued borders for some special quilts.
Thank you for your clear, informative review of borders. The accompanying photos really get your points across! I love the look of pieced borders , but must confess that I often run out of steam by the time I get to the borders and am anxious to start a new project. Maybe I need to plan my borders at the beginning.
I’m still a rookie, so I haven’t gotten adventurous with borders yet. A pieced border is on my list for this fall!
I have tried one pieced border and it was very simple. I think I’d like to give another pieced border a try that incorporates a bit more detail. I especially loved the one you did on Star Struck! Thank you for sharing all the pics as examples of what your are taking about.
I enjoyed reading your border info… so many factors to consider. One of the joys of quilting is the freedom of choice! Let those creative juices flow! Thank you for the tips and sharing some of your thought processes.
Most of my quilts have borders – often to make them just a little bit larger, but I am happy not to add a border if the design doesn’t call for it. I love the borders that are creative and clever which highlight the design in the main part of the quilt. I also love the borders that show off a beautiful co-ordinating fabric.
Thanks for the visual examples! Your quilts are so cozy.
I have a friend who thinks every quilt has to have a border but I’m trying to break that trend for myself.
Great info as always. Thanks.
I love your blog! You always give us ideas, or justification as to why we do different types of borders! Hugs
I love this post! I usually add borders to make quilts bigger. I’m not talented enough to mathematically figure out an intricate one, so my borders are boring! But all these ideas presented in the comments and in the post remind me of one of my “sayings”: “That’s why we have a jillion patterns and types and colors of fabrics.” We can all do what we like and still appreciate the talents of others. Quilting friends are the best!