World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of October 26, 1998:

Our question this week comes from Joan Dudgeon

I'd like to know how to make a scalloped border.

Laura McKay :
The book by Better Homes and Gardens called 101 full-size Quilt Blocks and Borders has several lovely scalloped borders and you can trace the templates right out of the book!

Marcia G. :
A well known quilter just told me to sew the binding on a scalloped border BEFORE you cut it. It holds the shape much better. Good Luck

Donna :
Measure the length of the side you wish to place your scallop.Divide into the number of circle you wish to have. Use a compass to get the exact circle size.(Open to half the diameter of circle) Mark it on freezer paper which can be ironed on to the quilt edge after you have drawn the design on it. Then sew on the drawn line and peal paper off.If you peal gentilly, you can re-iron to the opposite side and sew along the edge. Happy sewing !

gail myr :
use contact paper, or shelf paper to mark
your scallops pattern for the exact length
and width you need.

Diana :
I start by measuring my edge to be finished and then divide by however many scallops I want. I then use an appropriate size dish plate to make a curve that size. I then put on my backing sewing following the curves I have marked. The I trim the seams and clip the curves. Then I turn the quilt right side out and quilt the quilt. It is a little different to finish the outside edge prior to quilting and you'll need to stretch it really good before you either baste or pin your quilt prior to quilting. Good luck!

Louise M. :
I have used a luncheon plate to mark my
scalloped border..Or a dinner plate
pending size of quilt.

Peggy of Pete's Place :
To make a scalloped border, I have used a teacup or coffee mug as my templet. After tracing the design, I use a 1/4" tracing wheel and trace the edge again to have my seam allowance for turning. I will do this to my edge pieces before attaching it to the quilt. That way, my edges are all turned, pressed and my cornors are mittered on the curve just the way I like them. Hope this helps.

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