Sliced Apples Borders and Finishing

We will be talking about the borders for your Sliced Apples quilt today.
 I gave you the cutting instructions in cutting directions post but will do so again here
JIC you forgot = )

I am assuming all fabric is unwashed and 1/4" seams are used throughout.

For your borders:

You should measure your center before you cut these.  I will give you the finished measurements of mine, but measure yours before you cut your white strips.

My center, all sewn, measured 40.5" X 52.5"

1st white border:

                             Cut 2 strips 2.5" X WOF (width of fabric) You will use this for the top and bottom
                             Cut 3 strips 2.5" X WOF ( sew all three together and press seams open)
                                                                          You will use these for the sides

From these you will cut using your measurements for the length of each strip.

I sewed the top and bottom borders first so I would not need to piece them.  My strips were

2.5" x 40.5"

I then added the side borders which were

2.5" x 56.5"

Pieced border:  Select 26 colored charm squares.  Cut them 2.5" x 4.5"

**TIP: If you are using directional fabric, cut some horizontally and some vertically.

You will need to sew 2 strips that use 14 of the 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles.  Sew them end to end, to make 2 long strips. Press seams in one direction.  I usually press so the open part of the seams face me as I sew them to the quilt top.   These will be sewn on to the sides of the quilt.

You will need to sew 2 strips that use 12 of the 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles.  Sew them end to end, to make two long strips. Press seams in one direction.  I usually press so the open part of the seams face me as I sew them to the quilt top.  These will be sewn to the top and bottom of the quilt.

Lay them out to make sure they fit your top.  Pin in place and attach to your quilt.  Sew side borders first then top and bottom.

I pressed mine to the colored fabric since I didn't want any color to show through on my white border.

2nd White Border:

Cut 7 strips 4.5" x WOF

From these you will cut using your measurements for the length of each strip.

     Sew two sets of 2 border strips.  Press seams open.  These will be for your sides.  Measure your top and cut to the appropriate length for your quilt.  My strips were 60.5" x 4.5"
**Your measurements may differ so make sure to measure before you cut!**

     Sew 3 strips together. Press seams open. These are for the top and bottom.  Measure your top and cut to the appropriate length for your quilt.  My strips were:  56.5" x 4.5"
 **Your measurements may differ so make sure to measure before you cut!**

Again you will sew the side borders first.

Your quilt should finish approximately 56.5" x 68.5"

 You should need no more than 4 yards of fabric for your backing, and less if you are making a horizontal back.  You might like to use your left over charms on the back too.

For binding, if you cut your unwashed fabric 2.5" wide by WOF, you would use exactly 1/2 yard.  I would get a smidge more to allow for straightening and certainly a little more if you plan on pre washing.

So there you have it. 

 I hope you have enjoyed our little QAL.  

I am considering doing a Christmas in July QAL if there is any interest.  

I already have a pattern chosen and permission to use it. 

 Anyone up for that?  

If there is enough interest I will do it so let me know what you think and I will go from there.

Please remember to add your photos of your progress and finished quilts to our Flickr group. 

 We LOVE seeing your finished quilts!!

~XOP~