Quick Answer
Use Sweet Bees Double Border fabric as a consistent, repeating border in your quilt to create a clean, professional frame. This guide walks you through planning, cutting, and sewing.
Why Double Border Fabric Works Well
Double border fabrics like Clothworks Sweet Bees have a repeating pattern that creates a uniform look around your quilt. They save time compared to piecing multiple strips, but the pattern repeat means you need to plan carefully to avoid awkward cuts. The 100% cotton construction is easy to sew and presses well, making it a reliable choice for borders.
How to Use Sweet Bees Double Border Fabric
- Plan Your Border Layout: Measure your quilt top and calculate how many border strips you need. Add extra for pattern matching. A common mistake is forgetting to account for the pattern repeat, which can leave an awkward gap at the corners. Always buy at least 10% more fabric than your measurements suggest.
- Cut Strips with Care: Cut border strips along the length of the fabric (selvage to selvage) to maintain the double border design. Use a rotary cutter and ruler for straight cuts. Avoid cutting across the grain, which can distort the pattern. Check that the pattern is centered on each strip before cutting.
- Match the Pattern at Seams: When joining strips, match the repeating pattern at the seam. Pin the strips right sides together at the pattern match point before sewing. A common mistake is sewing without matching, resulting in a visible break in the design. Use a walking foot to keep layers aligned while sewing.
- Attach Borders to Quilt Top: Sew the border strips to the quilt top, starting with the side borders. Press seams toward the border. For mitered corners, mark the 45-degree angle and sew carefully. A common mistake is pulling the fabric, which can stretch the border. Measure the quilt top in multiple places to ensure borders are even.
- Press and Check: Press the completed borders flat, avoiding steam that can distort the cotton. Lay the quilt top on a flat surface and check that the borders lie flat and the pattern is continuous. A common mistake is skipping this step, which can lead to wavy edges. If borders ripple, check your seam allowance consistency.
Product Details
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CLOTHWORKS - Sweet Bees by Susybee - Double Border - White: Sweet Bees by Susybee for Clothworks is a 100% cotton quilting fabric in a White colorway with a Double Border print. The double border print eliminates the need to piece separate border strips, saving time while maintaining a consistent pattern around your quilt.
CLOTHWORKS - Sweet Bees by Susybee - Double Border - White
