How to Make a Bouncing Borders Quilt Pattern for Beginners – Detailed Tutorial

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Everything You Need to Know About Bouncing Borders Quilt Patterns

If you’re searching for “bouncing borders quilt pattern”, chances are you want to try your hand at making one of these eye-catching quilts. In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about bouncing borders patterns to help you on your quilting journey.

What is a Bouncing Borders Quilt?

A bouncing borders quilt features blocks or panels that are framed by borders that “bounce” or zigzag along the edges. From my experience quilting, these types of quilts really make a statement with their unique designs. The ever-changing borders provide movement that keeps the eye entertained as it travels across the quilt.

Some quilts will have just two or three borders bouncing around, while others go all out with many narrow borders zigging and zagging. I’ve seen some really bonkers designs with, like, a gajillion little borders! Basically, the sky’s the limit with how complicated you want to get.

Popular Bouncing Borders Blocks

  1. Four-patch blocks: Simple squares made from four triangular pieces. Dead easy to assemble but the zigzag borders really jazz them up.
  2. Nine-patch blocks: A step up in complexity from four-patch with rows of three squares. Looks snazzy with the bouncing action.
  3. Hourglass blocks: Diamond-shaped motifs are always stunning. When framed by wavy borders? Totally rad.

Those are some of the most common block choices, but feel free to get creative! I’ve seen cool designs using stars, flowers – you name it. The bouncing borders can make practically any shape or block pop.

Choosing Fabric for the Borders

When selecting fabrics for the bouncing borders, consider bold prints or colors that will really stand out against the background. From my experience, dark borders on a light background or vice versa make the zigzagging really pop. At the same time, you don’t want patterns that are too busy or they might distract from the central blocks.

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For my first bouncing borders quilt, I basically chose like the brightest, most outrageous fabrics I could find just to see how crazy it would look. Not gonna lie, that thing was an eyesore! But it taught me an invaluable lesson about contrast and coordination. These days I aim for fabrics that complement each other in a more aesthetic way.

Getting the Borders to Bounce

The fun part! There are a couple different techniques for making those borders wiggle:

  1. Piece the borders first: Sew fabric strips end to end at varying lengths, then attach the “snaky” borders to the quilt. This method gives you the most control over the bounces.
  2. Piece as you go: Sew short border segments directly to the quilt edges a few at a time. Less precise but easier for on-the-go quilting. Just make sure to pin well!

Either way works, so choose what fits your style. The key is to alternate long and short strips so the borders swell out in big zigzags. Leave yourself plenty of room to get creative with the shapes and sizes. Aw man, now I’m itching to go bouncing some borders of my own!

Borders Gone Wrong and How to Fix Them

We’ve all been there – your perfectly zigging border suddenly zags right off the quilt! Even for us pros, those darn borders cause problems sometimes. Here are a couple issues you may face and their solutions:

  1. Zig when you meant to zag: Carefully rip out the stitches and re-piece the wayward strip facing the other direction. No big whoop.
  2. Border bulges out too far: No problem! Simply trim the excess fabric down to size. Your secret is safe with me.
  3. Padding makes borders wavy: Add more quilting in that area to flatten it out. Maybe add a backing border too for stability.

Worst case, just start that section over – it’ll look sweet in no time. Don’t stress, we all hork stuff up sometimes. That’s why I always say quilting is a journey, not a destination!

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Finishing Touches to Make it Pop

Once your bouncing borders are pieced and quilted to perfection, there are a few final flourishes that really elevate these stunners:

  1. Double-faced satin binding: The shine and drape adds such luxury. So crisp.
  2. Backing and facing fabrics to match: Tie the whole quiltroom together, Beek!
  3. Custom quilting in the borders: Swirlyfreehand echoing the zigzags? *chef’s kiss*

Don’t be afraid to spruce it up however feels right. A bouncing borders quilt is a showstopper – you want folks to “ooo” and “ahhh” over the details. Just remember – the quilting love is what it’s all about in the end!

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has given you lots of ideas to get started on your bouncing borders journey. Let me know if you have any other questions! Who knows, maybe your quilt will inspire me to try a new border bounce design of my own. Wishing you the best of luck and happy zigging and zagging!

Bouncing Borders Quilt Pattern Considerations

Block Size Fabric Amount Difficulty Level
6″ blocks 1 1/2 yards of each fabric Beginner
8″ blocks 2 yards of each fabric Intermediate
10″ blocks 2 1/2 yards of each fabric Experienced
12″ blocks 3 yards of each fabric Advanced
Corner triangles 1/4″ seam allowance Careful piecing required

FAQ

  1. What is a bouncing borders quilt pattern?

    Basically, a bouncing borders quilt pattern uses squares and borders that seem like they’re “bouncing” around the quilt. The pattern has squares in the center that are smaller than the borders around them. Those borders then get bigger as they go out towards the edges. Sort of like a bounce house!

  2. How do I put together a bouncing borders quilt?

    To make this pattern, you start with your center squares. Then you sew on borders that go around those squares that are a little bit bigger all the way around. Those borders get successively larger as you add more rows going out. You have to piece the borders to get them wider for each row. It’s kind of like building outwards from the center.

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  3. What fabrics work well for this pattern?

    Bold prints or stripes make the “bouncing” effect really pop. You want fabrics that really stand out from each other so the sizes are obvious. At the same time, the fabrics need to have some unifying colors so it doesn’t seem too crazy. Stripes could be stunning but also kind of tricky to piece accurately! On the other hand, calmer fabrics might mask the intended design.

  4. How challenging is it for a beginner?

    While piecing countless small triangles and strips may sound daunting, taking it row by row helps make it manageable. The technique is not too different from a basic border, so it builds important skills. Nevertheless, accurate seam allowances are important or the borders won’t line up right. Perhaps ask a friend for help if you get stuck! But most find it very achievable with some patience.

  5. What size should the finished quilt be?

    That depends on what you plan to use it for! Queen size would show off the pattern really well if it’s for your own bed. But a lap quilt might be better if you want it as a gift. And a small wall hanging could be really stunning as well. But is it worth the effort if you tend to just throw a quilt on the couch? You’ll have to decide what size “bounces” with your needs!

  6. Any tips for success?

    As with any pieced quilt, accurate 1/4″ seams are key to success. It also helps to press seams open to reduce bulk. Make a sample border first to check the math. Stay focused and take breaks if you get frustrated. And don’t be afraid to ask an expert―the quilting community is amazingly supportive! Overall, have fun with it and the result will be amazing.

  7. What’s an alternative to the bouncing borders pattern?

    If this pattern seems difficult, there are some easier options that still play with size. Cornerstones is similar in using graduated blocks. A fan or windmill design could work too using wedges or circles. Nine patches could play with scale too, as could a simple basketweave or pinwheel. On the other hand, you may find bouncing borders easier than it looks! Give it a try―the sense of accomplishment is worth it.

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