How to Apply a Mitred Border
A mitred border, while very effective, uses more fabric than a regular border.
You must allow extra fabric for the ends. This amount is twice the width of the border plus ½”. And for this method to work the border fabrics must be the same length.
Step 1. To begin to apply the mitred border, you must mark the corners of the piece onto which you will be putting the border at the ends. Mark with a removable marker ¼” in from both sides at the corners.
These marks are very important as this is where you need to start and stop sewing with each side of the border.
Step 2. Find the centre or middle of the border piece, and mark it with a pin. Then do the same along the side where the border strip will be sewn. Place the border strip right together, matching the pins, and continue to pin along the edge outwards to the ¼” marks on each end. Sew with a ¼” seam allowance from exactly one mark to the next.
Step 3. Repeat this method for the other 3 pieces of the border. Press the seams.
Step 4. To complete the mitre on each corner of the border you will need to mark a 45-degree angle across the ends of the border fabric extending past the the ¼” sewing points. Have one of the 2 fabrics at each corner sitting under the other.
To do this lay the whole piece flat on the table. Starting with one corner, position one end over the other.
Lift the border fabric that is sitting on the top, turn it under so that the short end matches with the one below and the right sides will be together, press and pin to hold in place. You can check the angle with a ruler to be sure it is correct.
Step 5. Using fabric temporary glue, place a few small dots just under the fold. Place pins in the 2 layers below the top piece, and carefully turn the whole piece over so that you can sew the 45-degree line exactly on the crease from the iron.
Step 6. Start sewing exactly at the point of the ¼” mark. Move the seam allowance away to see the exact point where you began or ended when you sewn the first part.
Step 7. Press the seam open. Check the finish of the mitre on the right side of the piece. When you are happy you can trim the excess border fabric away to leave just a ¼” seam allowance.
