Sashing a quilt with cornerstones is a rewarding technique that adds a professional touch to your finished project. This method involves adding a border around your quilt center, creating a clean, framed look that makes your quilts stand out. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to sash a quilt with cornerstones, complete with detailed steps and helpful tips.
Before we dive in, let's ensure you have the necessary materials: your quilt center, fabric for the sashing and cornerstones, rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, cutting mat, sewing machine, and a walking foot (optional but helpful for quilting).
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Sashing and Cornerstones
Selecting the perfect fabric for your sashing and cornerstones can elevate your quilt's appearance. Opt for a solid or subtle print that complements your quilt center without overpowering it.
Consider the color and value (lightness or darkness) of your quilt center when choosing your sashing fabric. A contrasting sashing can create a striking effect, while a similar shade can provide a more subtle, cohesive look. For cornerstones, you can either match the sashing fabric or use a complementary color to add visual interest.
Calculating the Sashing Width and Cornerstone Size
To determine the width of your sashing, measure the width and height of your quilt center. Subtract the width and height of your desired cornerstones from these measurements. The result is the total width of your sashing on each side of the quilt center.
For example, if your quilt center is 40" wide and you want 4" cornerstones, your sashing width on each side would be (40" - 4" - 4") / 2 = 16". This means you'll need two 16" strips of sashing for the top and bottom, and two 16" strips for the left and right sides.
Cutting Your Sashing and Cornerstones
Using your calculated sashing width, cut four strips of fabric from your sashing fabric. Remember to add seam allowances to each strip – typically ¼" on each side.
For the cornerstones, cut four squares from your chosen fabric. The size of these squares will depend on the desired size of your cornerstones. For a 4" cornerstone, cut four 4" x 4" squares.
Sewing the Sashing to the Quilt Center
With your sashing strips and cornerstone squares cut, it's time to start sewing. Begin by pressing one of the long sashing strips in half, wrong sides together, with a ¼" seam allowance.
Place the pressed sashing strip along one side of your quilt center, right sides together, aligning the raw edges. Sew along the edge, using a ¼" seam allowance. Repeat this process for the remaining three sides of the quilt center.
Adding the Cornerstones
Press the seam allowance of the sashing flat. Then, place a cornerstone square in each corner of the quilt center, right sides together, ensuring the edges of the cornerstone align with the edges of the sashing.
Sew along the edge of the cornerstone, using a ¼" seam allowance. Repeat this process for the remaining three corners. Once all cornerstones are sewn in place, press the seam allowances flat.
Sewing the Sashing Together
Press the seam allowance of the sashing flat along the top and bottom edges of the quilt center. Then, place the remaining long sashing strip along the top edge of the quilt center, right sides together, aligning the raw edges. Sew along the edge, using a ¼" seam allowance.
Repeat this process for the bottom edge of the quilt center. Now, press the seam allowances flat and check that your sashing and cornerstones are properly aligned and even.
Congratulations! You've successfully sashed your quilt with cornerstones. The next step is to quilt your masterpiece, adding the final touches that will make it truly unique. Happy quilting!