Why You Should Wait to Choose Borders & Sashing (and What to Do Instead)
Have you ever picked all your fabrics at once — only to find your borders or sashing just don’t “go” once your blocks are done? You’re not alone! I’ve learned the hard way that choosing borders and sashing too early can lead to disappointment. That’s why I always audition my fabrics and, in this post, I’ll show you how you can too.
Don’t Buy Everything at Once — Here’s Why
If you’ve ever followed a quilt pattern in a magazine or book, you’ve probably seen a long shopping list of fabrics: fabric for your piecing, your borders, your sashing, binding and all. And it’s tempting to grab everything in one go while you’re at the shop or browsing online. But honestly? That can be a mistake, particularly when it comes to borders and sashing.
Why? Because once your blocks are made, the colours might play off each other in unexpected ways. Something that looked perfect in the shop might overpower your finished block at home.
Here’s What I Do Instead: Audition Your Fabrics
Just like actors audition for a role, I give my fabrics a try-out, especially when it comes to borders and sashing. I lay my fabric options next to a completed block before making a final decision. It’s amazing how much difference that makes!
Let’s say I’ve used a mix of lime green, soft blues, and yellow dots in my block. I might think a yellow border would tie in beautifully. But when I lay it down next to the block, that yellow can suddenly feel too bold — even bossy! (Nobody needs bossy fabrics!) A soft grunge blue, on the other hand, might let the block shine without stealing the spotlight.
💡 Tip: Just because two fabrics look good together doesn’t mean they’ll work well with your block. Always test them side by side!
What I Look for When Auditioning
Here are a few things I always keep in mind when I’m testing out fabrics for borders or sashing:
• Balance is key – I want harmony, not a fight for attention.
• Complement, don’t compete – Colours should bring out the best in the block.
• Think cool vs warm – Mixing warm and cool tones can sometimes jar.
• Try neutrals too – Don’t overlook greys! My go-to is a smoky grunge grey — it flies out of the shop for a reason!
🛍️ Shopping Online? Here’s My Tip
No worries! Look for shops that offer fabric samples or swatches. A few small pieces delivered to your door can save you loads of frustration later on. I like to stash them with my finished blocks and see how they play together in natural light before making a decision.
Need To See Some Examples?
Grab a cuppa and watch my video here where I show the difference auditioning your fabrics can make to your sashing and borders.
Happy quilting!
Kim
xx