Hi all,
Im designing a quilt with 4.5" blocks, and cant figure out what size shashings to use.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks all
Becca

My vote is for 1.5" strips unfinished.

It seems to me that there is kind of a "rule" on sashing, but I'm not sure...Maybe I made it up! I generally try not to do bigger than 1/3 of the finished block size.
I'm sure some others will jump in here to help.
Jami

Jami, I know that's the rule for borders, not sure what it is either for sashing. I know it needs to be wide enough to separate the blocks, but not overpower them.

Becca, try cutting a strip or two about 2" wide (if you have any to spare, otherwise use paper - I've done that!) and play with the blocks and strips, see what you like. Move the pieces around, stand back and see. I'd most likely go with no wider than 1" (blocks are 4/5" FINISHED??)

I'll see if I can find anything online - my fons and porter quilter's guide said NOTHING about figuring sizes - what's up with that?!?!

Gerda

Ok, according to my book"the Art of Classic quiltmaking" by Harriet Hargrave and Sharyn Craig (excellent, BTW), they say "as a general guideline, the finished size of the sashing strip is 1/4 the size of the finished block." "Remember, this is a guideline, not a rule" and "trust your instincts about what feels right."

I hope this helps!

Gerda

I don't think there is a Quiltpolice. Anything that you think looks good is ok. I lay mine out too see how big I want to make my sashing. Ones I see it with different sizes I take what pleses my eyes most. Sometimes I ask my DH what he thinks.

I played in my EQ5 and liked the look of 3/4" finised sashing. Did two borders...one same size as the sashing and the outer border 4". Played with border too and liked 4". You didn't say how big the quit is so I played with a quilt 8 blocks by 8. This is just MY idea.

After thought...alot of times I don't have sashings with my quilts. I realize I like quilts where the pattern flows across the quilt. Guess I may be more of a nontraditional quilter.

Have fun and do what pleases YOU not the quilt community. We love ANY quilt that someone is working on!!

Julie in NM

I agree with the "no more than 1/3 the block size" rule for the sashing. Usually this works for me.