I finished border number two in the Medallion Quiltalong, a project that is literally the most fun I have ever had doing patchwork. I decided to make it like the border in the antique quilt, not the way that Anita so kindly drafted with these instructions. When I first saw the original quilt, part of the charm and brilliance came from how some of the borders are angled (this one, a few more like it, and a gorgeous flying geese border), which create so much around-the-quilt movement for the eyes. I just love those little bricks!
I knew that it could be pieced easily, especially if I decided to go with the way the border was made on the antique one: lop off edges to fit, and end up with the right overall measurement in the end.
If you want to know how I made this border with strip piecing, extremely simple measurements, almost no need to match seams while piecing, and no triangle cutting, read on!
First, here is the drawing I made to give me a two inch finished height for the border. Each brick therefor measures 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches unfinished. Simple!
I decided to cut three strips 2.5 inches wide, sew them together, then cut into 1.5 inch wide pieces, like this:
Next, because these units are staggered along the border, I needed to mark a point 1 1/4 inch from the top of one of the pink pieces. Here is my mark, highlighted with the scissor points, and a photo of how the pieces fit together:
Finally, I cut off the top and bottom ends so that there was a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Here is an in-progress shot as I am slicing. Left side is how it looks before cutting. Notice that my sewing line extends all the way through to the ends of the dark rectangles. This let me chain piece continuously; pairs went together, then those pairs joined more pairs, etc., until I had enough for a border.
I also made square-in-a-square blocks for the corners, with the same method I used in the previous border.
10 responses so far ↓
Anita // July 2, 2008 at 4:29 am |
Your border looks awesome! You did a great job!
I’m wondering what your final measurement is at this point? I love these logs too. And, I debated back and forth for awhile whether to actual do this one, but opted for something easier.
Lily Boot // July 2, 2008 at 11:48 pm |
Oh I love this border and I cannot wait to try your tutorial for making it – I have always used triangles for these and it always turns out a bit wonky and is very fiddly – this looks much better. And I really love the red logs in the top corner – adds a very authentic vintage charm! Lovely!
alobsiger // July 3, 2008 at 1:40 am |
Your second border looks WONDERFUL!!!
marisa // July 3, 2008 at 4:00 am |
Thanks for the tutorial. that border is so very pretty.
I gave you a little award for being such a creative blogger, so check it out on my blog if you care to spread the fun! Thanks again for all the inspiration!!
movinghands // July 3, 2008 at 1:44 pm |
Current measurement of my top is 20.5 inches square. I made the corner square-in-a-square blocks at 2.5 inches unfinished, 2 inches finished. So it all fits nicely together with the brick sections.
But because my edges are now on the bias, I am not touching it AT ALL until the next border is ready to be sewn on. This will go well, since they are long strips with fewer seams. I pressed gently right on the seam where I sewed, but my iron has not touched the outer inch or so of the current border.
Thanks for the compliments on this border. The few “maverick” bricks are actually a dark double-pink fabric.
pratima // July 4, 2008 at 2:08 pm |
Thanks so much for the lovely tutorial. I’ve never tried this kind of border before… so, eager to try it out. And your instructions make it seem easy :-)
It’s beautiful!
Kathy // July 4, 2008 at 9:11 pm |
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and method. It’s inspired me to do another medallion by machine. This is all so much fun. I love your mix of fabrics.
dorie // July 8, 2008 at 1:33 am |
Oh, I do like those bricks. I think I might use them for my next border. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy // July 8, 2008 at 12:37 pm |
Are you aware that this kind of border is called Seminole Piecing, after the bands of strips that the Seminole Indians of Florida, USA, used in their skirts and later in quilts more than 100 yrs ago. I live in FL and just thought I would share the info-your quilt is beautiful, BTW. I saw a link to your site from Grosgrain and was interested ‘cuz of the reference to hands! :’)
Ann Champion // March 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm |
I just love the stacked bricks rounds and I’m using them in my quilt too. I’m now ready to do the round 10 row. Would the pieces be cut 3.5 X 2″ for this one, since it will be a 3.5″ round..3″ finished? I’m trying to get my head around this! LOL I’d appreciate it greatly if you could post the info when you get a chance. ;) Thanks for sharing your method with us!