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Is there an answer for this? A trick to flatten them when ironing and sizing isn't enough??

Borders wave when there is too much fabric in them relative to the center of the quilt. If they are waving just because the center of the quilt contracted due to heavy quilting then adding quilting to the border can flatten them. On the other hand if the quilting hasn't begun and the borders are wavy, there is a problem with either the edges of the center of the quilt or the borders themselves. Both need to be straight (or else matching curves) for the border to lay flat. If there is a bow in either the edge of the quilt or in the border ("V" shaped rather than straight edge border strips for instance) there will be waves. They can be fixed by getting a better match between the borders and the body of the quilt.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bozie,

this probably isn't helpful for everyone, 'specially if you're quilting for a show but I just quilt the snot out of them, kinda stitch them into submission

Don't tell, but I've also taken a dart or two out of a seriously wavy border

www.kingstreasure.etsy.com

http://runninstitch.blogspot.com/

I agree with Bozie. I have had problems if quilting density in the border doesn't match that in the center. Certain types of actual quilting in the borders can add to the wave factor too (I think dense quilting lines on the bias is a problem--perhaps someone else can varify this).

Borders need to be measured, and "easing" does not mean stretching a border fabric to make it fit a baggy center (pin spreading out the extra--be sure it is not a big amount--and baggy should be next to the bed of the machine so the feed dogs can ease it in properly--or use a walking foot). I have run into problems by stretching fabric wrong in the past.

An additional topic -- too many bias edges on the outside edge of a quilt (center or even if borders have lots of exposed bias edges). Bias can stretch easily! I have read (and tried once or twice) adding staystitching helps prevent them from stretching when adding borders/binding. I avoid most of the new easy piecing techniques that places bias on the outside edges of squares.

I have found that "on point" quilt centers are more prone to wavy edges before the borders are put on compared to a straight set center! I check for the problem after the center is pieced. If you notice that it is not flat at this point, it will only get worse if not corrected. Most times by making a few quick adjustments in the setting triangles, I can correct the problem without taking the whole top apart.

Make sure squares are square before piecing the center together. Measure again after the center is pieced to make sure it is reasonably square. If the center is not correct, the borders will only make the problem worse. A pieced top needs to be reasonably flat without waves before quilting.

My quilts are not always perfect--that is how I learned where most of the pitfalls are! I strive for a "B+" or better finished product--more than that would make the process to stressful--a hobby to be enjoyed--not to add stress!

i had to take mine out and redo them..


unfortunately, the more you handle it the more wavy it can become.
I remeasured the centers of the quilt, cut the borders again. found center in the border, finger pressed it, and found center on the side of the quilt..and sewed from center out..clear as mud?

That is what I've always heard is to measure you sides and then cut your boarder to size they will always come out straight and square and yes they do.

Are you quilting this one yourself or taking it to someone to quilt? You may need to take off the wavy border, trim to fit and reattach it. That will take a bit of time, but give the best finished feeling.

If this is a customer quilt, call and ask how the customer wants to have it fixed, they do the work and bring it back or you do the fixing and charge for the work. I know some longarm quilters end up having to stitch down tucks or pleats in some wavy borders. Then that pleat/tuck needs to be hand stitched so there is no fold showing.

ONe quilting option to take in that fullness would be piano keys. I have seen the pictures of a ruffled border that looked like a ruffle on a little girls dress, with piano keys from edge to center and every other key with a squiggle design quilted, the border was flat and nice looking.

Just by accident last week I found out how to fix this.....if it's not TOO bad. I decided I needed a bit of color between my quilt & binding,so I made a "flap" out of lengthwise grain of fabric.I cut it the exact length of the sides of the quilt, measured in the middle of the quilt, and to my surprise my quilt was no longer "friendly", as in waving!

I just had a similar problem recently, and ohhhhh, the grrrrrrrr's that came from my mouth.

Took the border off and when I redid it, I put the border fabric on the bottom of the piece. It came out much better with the feed dogs pulling the fabric instead of the pressure foot pushing it.

I've also been know to measure the sides and pin from the center out, easing in anything that might be a problem if there is any kind of pattern to be matched.

Good luck.

I always cut my borders on the straight of grain - helps substantially....now that also means I end up with large chunks of leftovers - so far DGD is not complaining.....