10 Simple Things (8) - Square Up and Block Your Quilts

You've finally finished the quilting on your quilt and need to get it ready for binding. It's time to trim the edges. Personally, this is an exciting time. To me, it's when the quilt becomes a quilt. For others, it is terrifying.

You can't get the binding on, however, without doing it. If your quilt is not block based, has borders, or the edges are defined by negative space then you can probably take a ruler and cut a new straight edge, squaring the quilt. This is the fast solution, but an easy one. It can make the difference between a wavy quilt edge and a flat one. Use long rulers, a flat surface, and go slow. Trust me, you are not going to wreck the quilt. If your quilt is block based, trim outside of the edge of the quilt top, with a smidgen of batting showing. This will help you keep the block size and any points in tact once you attach your binding. 

Quilting, regardless of whether done by hand, on a domestic, or long arm can make your quilt wonky. The density and style of the quilting affect this. For example, if you matchstick quilt your project and all your seams go in one direction (in part or in whole) then the quilt itself can be pulled out in that direction.

Blocking is the process of making your quilt square and flat, after quilting. With water and manipulation you can make it hang beautifully, whether on a bed or wall or drape. Of course, there are times when the uneven edge is intentional or desired, that is the maker’s choice.

Oh, and if that quilt is going to get used, washed, and loved hard, don't feel the need to block the quilt. It won't matter anyway. Save that step for quilts that will hang.