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Mystery Quilt - Christmas Table Runner Pattern

By Janet Wickell, About.com

9 of 9

Do I Need an Outer Border?

quilt, table runner

Above, the table runner with a narrow border stripe and corner squares. Bottom, the runner with the border I "thought" I wanted to use -- mocked up, not sewn. I don't think it needs the outer border.

© Janet Wickell
I originally planned to sew two borders on the table runner, a narrow inner border stripe with corner squares and a wider outer border. I think I prefer it with just the border stripe, above.

The bottom portion of the photograph shows the table runner with my original border fabric folded along the inner border. What do you think? I think it's too busy--and might add too much width.

My choices:

  • leave it alone and finish the table runner with only the narrow border print; the outer white edge will disappear under binding

  • use the original fabric and make wide borders

  • sew a narrow, dark border around the quilt

  • sew a lighter border around the quilt; perhaps repeat the light print used in triangle squares

What do you think I should do? Tell us what you think by voting in the table runner poll.

I'll insert a picture of my runner when it's complete, but you probably want to go ahead and finish yours. Sew on additional borders if you like; sandwich and quilt. Next, cut binding strips and sew them to the table runner. You can use double-fold binding or single-fold binding, whichever you prefer.

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