Mystery Medallion Quilt Pattern
The Mystery Medallion quilt's first pieced border is made by sewing 28 half-square triangle units around the center block. The suggested layout is shown on page 3 and repeated in the upper left drawing on this page.Feel free to experiment with the layout. I've included two other possibilities for the units -- play with arrangements and you'll discover more. Any layout you choose will work just fine with the next border.
- Once you're satisfied with the design, sew all units in the top row side by side, and then sew all units in the bottom row side by side. Press, taking care not too stretch the row.
- Sew the remaining units along each side into vertical rows. Press, again taking care not to stretch. Sew a row to each side, matching seam intersections carefully.
- Add the top and bottom rows, matching seam intersections carefully.
The wallhanging's center should measure 24-1/2" square; the mini's, 12-1/2" square. If you're off just a bit, the next border will square it up. If the center is off a bunch, use my squaring up methods to deal with it before you sew the border.
Sew a Plain Border to the Quilt
Sew a dark neutral (brown) border around the medallion. Instead of measuring the unit's size, we'll use pieces cut to match the size the center should be at this stage (to make the next pieced border a breeze).Wallhanging
- Top/Bottom: (2) 2-1/2" x 24-1/2"
- Sides: (2) 2-1/2" x 28-1/2"
Miniature Quilt
- Top/Bottom: (2) 1-1/2" x 12-1/2"
- Sides: (2) 1-1/2" x 14-1/2"
Add the Border
More About Borders
- Fold a top/bottom border in half crosswise and crease. Match its midpoint and ends to the top of the medallion, easing to fit where necessary. Sew the border to the medallion. Press allowance towards border.
- Repeat to sew the bottom border.
- Repeat to sew each side border.
