Only one time have I done this type of fix. Removing a border on a quilt almost quilted was the only way to fix this one. The amount of excess fabric in the inner border was staggering. I knew as I was quilting it that it had some fullness. But the top wasn’t too bad, and I was able to work in the fullness on the sides as I advanced the quilt, by making sure the block seams were straight, then steaming and starching the excess into the space.
However, the bottom border was a different matter. There was so much in it that it looked like it had been sewn on with a ruffle foot.
I tried my usual method of steaming and starching, but to no avail. I worked on this for almost half an hour and made no headway. No matter how much I manipulated it, it would not cooperate.
Now, with a charity quilt, I would put a pleat in, and topstitch it. But this is a Quilt of Valor. Nothing like that would do. In trying to get it to lay flatter, I realized the main problem was the red inner border. It had way too much fabric for the length, which in turn led to the blue outer border also being too long. There was no other way to handle this. I removed the blue and red borders on the bottom.
Once I had the ends separated from the blue, leaving them sewn together in the middle, I lay the border even with the left side and measured the quilt and the border. The red border was more than two inches too long.
I took the borders to the ironing board, and pressed the seam allowance flat, removing all the thread bits as I went.
I placed the border right sides together back on the quilt top, and lined up the edges, pinning them into place. I left some of the excess on both ends. The, I stitched the seam again with the longarm. I followed the previous seam line, using a long straight ruler to help keep me on track.
Moving the ruler as I went, the seam is kept straight.
Folding it down, the border now lays perfectly flat. I pressed the seam.
At the ends, the excess is easily seen. I trimmed this, then folded the side border back down over the red bottom border. Normally, I would have done these side seams with the longarm as well, but the quilting was too close to allow it to fold back adequately.
The blue border was next. I folded it back over the red, exposing the part of the seam that I did not rip out.
I sewed the sections I had ripped out. Know that these seams go all the way through the quilt to the backing, but it isn’t noticeable unless you look really close. Folding the blue border down, it pressed flat easily.
After stitching down the edges, it is wonderfully flat and will be easy to quilt.
I finished the quilting, carefully stepping over the open seam. I’ll whip stitch both of these by hand.
All done, it makes such a difference to use the Measure and Cut method of applying borders instead of slap-and-sew!!!
See my tutorial on Quilt Borders – Understanding the Why of putting them on properly.
In other sewing, I’ve been working on a few donation quilts. My machine was out of commission for about 3 weeks, but now I have it back. This little four-patch one has a Fleur-de-lis pattern on a simple squares quilt.
Isn’t this little bear adorable?
The texture in the large expanse of white looks great with the curvy quilting.
Another little panel quilt was finished too. These just don’t take a lot of time.
It’s been a little busy since I got my machine back! What are you working on?
From My Carolina Home 
Shame about the mistake on the bottom border but it still looks a wonderful work. The colours are great.
How nice to work on a project using one of your own patterns!! Beautiful projects. 🙂
You’re little 4-patch donation quilt is really cute! Love the focus print in it. Do you remember what line it’s from? I’ve been collecting snail fabrics and would love to see if I can find this one.
So pretty.
The quilts are really lovely. I like the four-patch also. That is a good size for a quick baby throw!!
Both great finishes, your quilting designs you used really compliment the piecing.
Charity quilts are looking spectacular….the recipients will love them and certainly be thankful for their hugs, comfort and warmth.
Thank you for your generosity, creativity and expertise with the charity projects for our local community.
Hugs…..
Finished the backing for the baby quilt I did from Missouri Star Quilt Co. pattern, now I have to get it off to my quilter. Also I did some wonky 9 patch blocks for a baby quilt from some fat quarters I picked up at WalMart of all places, some name brands! in boy colors, turquoise and red with little doggie footprints, and baseball hats… I found out there’s a reason they have a specific sequence on those wonky 9 patches: did end up with some duplicates doggone it, but when you cut them wonky, you can’t rotate those patches easily! sigh. Got to decide if I’m going to sash them or not, there are 9 blocks that started out as 18 inch and with trimming are about 15 now, but all the same, so no problem. I have some solid turquoise, but it’s a darker shade than the more aqua (I see your Snickerdoodle Link add on the bottom of this page that is closer to the block color) so maybe not, or come up with some white. Love the Scrap Dance, and I’m a blue person, so no complaints!
Good morning Carole,
Love the donation quits you are working on. Especially liked the last quilt of many colors and the beautiful autumn leaf with the acorns, I’m not much a green person but I really
Did like that particular print, so autuminish. My friend and I tried to make scarfs out of fleece and I made matching hats to sell but some of the shows weren’t right for us so I’m now
Looking for a way to get rid of a lot of ready to wear items to help supplement my income. Have been looking on the internet for hats for children in the cancer units to make and donate
So after I get my esophagus procedure done on the 9th of September and check into my back problems I’ll really tackle that project.. Life can be a problem at times can’t it?
Anyway you and yours have a great day.
Phyllis
This week i finished 7/10 pillowcases. Working on 3 fidget quilts for guild. I need to quilt them up for tomorrow night! I also picked up my violin last week for lessons. I try to get 5 20-30 minute practices in per week.
Love both quilts and your quilting complements the quilts so nicely. I just finished piecing a disappearing 9-patch quilt for charity…I may get brave and quilt it myself on my home sewing machine, but I’m out of practice so will have to “warm up” first. LOL Enjoy seeing what you are working on, as always. :o) m
Two lovely quilts. How nice to quilt one of your own designs stitched by someone else.
Beautiful donations. Im starting our grandguys birthday number three quilt: DINOSAURS!!
when my Mom was alive she made allot of charity quilts from her scraps-she is the only quilter I ever know that did not believe in a fabric stash-she bought per project and then right away cut up the scraps into squares and such for future quilts–her cousin would hand quilt them all for her a really nice sharing prokect
Now that I’m back from vacation I plan to do a few veterans quilts before I load the next one of my own.
Those are both wonderful quilts.
Oh wow you have been busy, and what beautiful finishes 🙂
Four-patches are always great. My biggest problem is building up a back-log of tops… I do sent out big quilts, although linking up with longarmers in my fairly new area has not yet been easy. I like to quilt smaller pieces on my domestic machine, but keep being distracted by new piecing projects I have to jump in to!
I “chose” to commit to several weekly block-alongs and two new big quilt quilt-alongs (now that my Scrap Dance Tango big top is finished), I so I have no excuses…
Pretty quilts.
Great job!
Your 4 patch quilt is really sweet. Your quilting is lovely and you are very kind to donate so much time and energy to helping others with your quilting.
Sorry your machine was down – I’m glad that it is back up and running strong for you!
Looks like time well spent!
Your donation quilts are beautiful.