Quilts are created with pieces of fabric cut and sewn together in a design and then the layer of batting is added for warmth. After completing the detailed quilt sewing process (see How to Make a Quilt) the last step is to finish the edges with fabric to give the quilt a “finished” look. This article describes the process of making trim strips and how to use them to trim your quilt.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Do the Trim
Step 1. Choose the fabric for finishing
The fabric strip you will use can either stand alone or fit into the overall quilt design. Imagine what you would like your finished quilt to look like as you choose the fabric.
- Fabric with a cross stitch, rather than a long knit, is a more robust choice for finishing. Due to the direction of the mesh, a split at one point will not run along the entire length of the trim. Instead, it will run across and end at the seam that joins the trim to the quilt.
- Bias strips, with a mesh that runs diagonally, are suitable for a sturdy finish. Again, a stretch in the fabric will not run all the way to the top as the jersey does not follow the length of the fabric.
Step 2. Take your measurements
The amount of fabric you will need to buy is determined by the width of your quilt and how much you want the trim to show.
- Decide on the width of the trim. If your quilt already has the edges sewn in, you may want a thinner finish. If you want the finish as a real edge, you will prefer it wider instead. Keep in mind that you will need to cut the fabric into strips that will be folded in half.
- Measure the four sides of the quilt to determine the length of the perimeter. You will need between 30 and 40 cm extra of finishing material.
Step 3. Cut the trimming fabric into strips to your chosen width
A rotary cutter for larger projects might help. Cloth scissors also help.
Step 4. Sew the pieces together using the following method until you have a trim strip long enough to outline the perimeter of the quilt:
- Spread two strips at right angles with the edges overlapping, so that they form an "L" in reverse. Secure the strips on the outer corner using cylindrical pins.
- Sew a diagonal line where the two stripes meet. Pull the top strip down so that it forms a straight line. Trim away the excess fabric triangle on the outside of the seam, leaving 0.40 cm of selvedge.
- Keep attaching the strips like this until you have a long one.
- When the trim strip is long enough, iron it so that it is straight and flat. Fold it in half lengthwise and iron it again to create a fold in the middle of the fabric.
Method 2 of 2: Finish the quilt
Step 1. Prepare the quilt for trimming
After you're done making the quilt, use your sewing machine to make a straight line 0.25 '' from the edge around the perimeter of the quilt. This will ensure that the layers of the quilt stay stretched out during the trimming.
When you're done sewing, trim any uneven edges or excess batting from the perimeter of the quilt to make sure it's smooth and even
Step 2. Start sewing the finish
Align the uneven edges of the finishing strips with the uneven edges of the quilt. The folded portion of the trim strip should be on the inside of the top of the quilt. Start sewing about 8 cm from the corner, leaving the "tail" unstitched and tucked into the trim later.
- Choose which selvedge to leave so that the quilt is the way you like it. The most common selvedge is 0, 40 cm.
- Use the sewing machine's conveyor foot to prevent the fabric from bunching up.
- Sew along the first side of the quilt until you have reached the same distance from the corner as the selvedge you made. If you are using a 0.40 selvedge, stop sewing at 0.40 from the corner.
- Sew backwards for a few inches and cut the threads.
Step 3. Join the first corner
Start by folding the long tail of the trim so that it runs parallel to the other side of the quilt you are about to trim. The bottom edge of the strip will form a 45 ° angle. Keeping the folded corner in place, fold the tail down so that its uneven edge lines up with the next side of the quilt. This is called making a 45 ° angle. Start sewing a new line at the right angle where the first seam ends. Sew backwards on the corner to make sure it fits snugly in place.
Step 4. Sew all edges and corners
Continue sewing the trim along the edges of the quilt, using the same selvedge you used on the other sides. When you are approaching the corners, stop sewing the same distance as your selvedge is. Make a 45 ° angle and continue sewing along the last edge.
Step 5. Finish sewing the first side
When you reach the point where you started trimming the quilt, cut the tail off, leaving just enough to overlap it at the starting point by about 10 cm. Fold the fabric under at the diagola and tuck the rest of the tail in at the beginning of the trim. Continue sewing along the edge of the quilt and sew over your seam for 2 to 3 cm. Sew backwards and cut the thread.
Step 6. Turn the quilt and sew on the other side
Turn the quilt over and fold the trim strip to the same measurements as your selvedge. If you used 0.40 cm selvedge, fold the trim strip 0.40 cm. Use the Carrier Foot to start sewing along the edge of the quilt.
- Accompany the quilt carefully and sew slowly. Adjust the quilt as needed to make sure the seam is straight.
- When you reach the 45 ° foul angle. Fold the end of the trim strip under a 45 ° angle on the corner, then lay it flat along the next edge. Carefully turn the quilt in the corner sewing machine and continue sewing the next side of the quilt. Sew each side and corner of the quilt like this.
- Continue sewing for about 3 cm from where you started. Sew backwards, and then cut the thread.
Advice
- Get creative with your finish. You can use all the different fabrics you want to give the "crazy quilt" effect.
- The last step of the finishing can be done by hand. Instead of using the sewing machine to finish the trim on the back of the quilt, overcast to finish it.
