Border for Baby Crib Quilt

by Hope Harris
(Ark City, Kansas)

I have 12 nursery blocks and I need to add two borders. I have two fabrics and I do not know how wide to make the borders to have it look even. I want a crib-sized quilt that finishes at 45" X 60".

My 12 blocks are unfinished and measure 7" X 7 1/2". I am not concerned about a border as the second border will also be the outside border. I do all my quilts by hand, and I press all my blocks. My grandmother used to help me when I needed a quilt to be a particular size with different blocks, but she has since passed away.

Thank you for your help, your quilts are very lovely. I have made several as gifts, and they are treasured for many years. I have my baby quilt that my grandmother made by hand, and I am 45 years old. Every stitch with love.

ANSWER

If you sew your quilt with three blocks across and four blocks down, your quilt will measure 19 1/2" x 28". That means you'll need to add 25 1/2" to the width of your quilt and 32" to the length of your quilt (to end with a measurement of 45" x 60".

So, you'll have to cut your borders very wide. That wouldn't look proportional on a baby quilt. So, I'm going to give you a few ideas how to handle this. Remember, these are only suggestions. It's ultimately up to you.

Add More Blocks

Sew 5 blocks across and 7 blocks down. Add a 2" and a 4" border.
Add Sashing Strips

Add 3" sashing strips, and a 4" and 6" border.

You could just add two 6" borders. They would be wide, but your quilt would measure 43 1/2" x 52".

IMPORTANT! Remember to add 1/2" to your border or sashing strips. For example, if you want a 6" border, cut your strips 6 1/2" wide. If you want 3" sashing strips, cut them 3 1/2" wide. You need the extra half inch to account for your seam allowance.

These measurements come close to what you want. You can experiment with other ideas too. I'm just giving you a starting point. Good luck with your baby crib quilt.