Top 13 Free Quilt Border Ideas That Will Make Your Quilt Stand Out (+7 Bonus Patterns For Sale) (2024)

Categories Free Quilt Patterns

A quilt’s border is a decorative strip that frames the quilt’s design. Borders are the finishing touch of your masterpiece. Although our attention is initially pulled to the quilt’s primary pattern, our gaze soon wanders to the quilt border designs. Quilt borders come in a wide range of styles and colors. Choosing a border quilt can enhance the look of your quilt. There is nothing wrong with using basic borders, but why not spice things up?! Stand out and try these border ideas we compiled for you:

Free Quilt Border Patterns – Top Picks

1. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Diamond Star Squares

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Designer: Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

If you wished to find a diamond on the stars last night, then you’ve come to the right page because this Diamond Star quilt is yours to keep! This border pattern is designed to elevate the look of your quilt as simply as possible. Its geometric approach gives the strips the stylish touch of a modern look yet the satisfying symmetry of a traditional way. Using plain fabric pieces with this pattern would create a classic masterpiece. Bring the quilt of your dreams to life with this pieced quilt border idea from the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

2. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Pioneer Braid

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Designer: Bonnie K Hunter of Quiltville

If you’re looking for intricate borders to elevate the look of your quilt, recreating the Pioneer Braid by Quiltville will surely redefine your style. This geometric pattern seemingly weaves scrappy fabrics together to create a sophisticated version of a chevron border. It intentionally observes the element of space to produce an optical illusion that will keep your eyes amused. On top of that, this modern quilt border idea creates a well-played color values, giving an impression of an abstract masterpiece. It works well with blocks that use the flying geese technique. It may look complicated to recreate, but you’ll surely nail this project with patience and passion!

3. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Eight-Pointed Star

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Designer: Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

If you can’t decide whether you want a star block or a floral design, just have them and recreate the Eight-Pointed Star Quilt Border by Editors of Publications International, Ltd. This captivating free quilt border pattern blooms with beauty, as the combination of light and dark values makes them twinkle from afar. The contrasting hues give their shape depth, elevating the simplicity of its visuals. Line them up on a strip or make square blocks out of them. Either way, you’ll find yourself staring at a quilt that seems to dance on the plainness of your walls. It’s chic, stylish, and easy to recreate. Truly, a must-have!

4. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Ribbon Border

Whether you’re quilting for a Halloween baby or stitching a new piece for the spooky season, framing your quilt with ribbon borders will make it look extra special. Lynn’s interesting pattern assembles Half-square triangles together to create an illusion of an actual ribbon running around the quilt. It alternates light and dark fabric pieces to achieve that three-dimensional effect you see when you look at it from afar.

Pro tip from Lynn: use a Bloc-Loc ruler to trim the fabrics in the perfect size before you make Y-squares. Linearly stitch the blocks, and voila! You got yourself a ribbon border!

5. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Country Paradise

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Designer: Denise Russell for Blank Quilting

There’s nothing as dreamy as living somewhere far from the busy life in the city. So, if you’re looking for a quilt that will remind you of the beauty of the countryside, then the closest pattern you could recreate is the one they call “paradise”. Denise Russell worked together with Blank Quilting to frame a beautiful scenic panel with two festive borders: the inner border is made of pinwheel blocks, while the outer border is made of curvy diamonds that use printed fabric pieces. Such great borders for panel quilts. You may hang it as wall decor or use it as a lap quilt. Either way, it will be a fun piece to recreate as an advanced beginner!

6. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Autumn Lattice Quilt

If fabric weaving sounds like a fun project to stitch this Fall, then you would enjoy recreating the Autumn Lattice Quilt. Of all the ideas featured today, this pattern stands out because of its unique way of putting the fabric pieces together. The outer border and the center blocks are connected with openly woven strips that are quite tricky to do. Each strip is laid out at an angle of 45 degrees and has to be secured in place so it’ll be easier to accomplish.

Indeed, this piece is tedious to make, even for an advanced beginner. But, if you love having a rare piece on your wall, do it and give your all!

7. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Checkerboard Border Quilt

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Designer: It’s Sew Emma for Fat Quarter Shop

Geometric bliss awaits with this creation by It’s Sew Emma! The Checkerboard Border quilt pattern is perfect for your favorite nook with its geometric intricacy which not only captivates the eye but also brings a contemporary twist to any room. Whether you’re a quilting novice or an expert, this pattern promises a delightful and stylish quilting adventure.

8. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Classic & Vintage Ribbon Border Quilt

Tie a ribbon of memories using the Ribbon Border Classic & Vintage Quilt Block pattern by Fat Quarter Shop. This 12.5″ x 12.5″ quilt block featuring an intricate pattern will surely wrap up your attention by its design that mimics the graceful flow of ribbons. A great gift, wrap up your loved ones with this amazing qulting project!

9. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Chatelaine Quilt Border

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Designer: Rose Johnston of Thread Bare Creations

If you’re a beginner quilter and are looking for simple quilting projects then worry no more because the Chatelaine Free Bow Sampler Quilt is here for you! Designed by Rose Johnston, this quilt pattern measuring 77 1⁄2” x 97 1⁄2” features a scrappy checkerboard border adorned with delightful baby pinwheels in each corner. These elements not only frame the quilt’s blocks but also add a subtle, yet captivating, touch of sophistication.

10. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Twisted Ribbon

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Designer: Lorrie Taylor for Grand Quilt Guild

Discover the magic of contrast with Lorrie Taylor’s quilt border design! This easy-level masterpiece offers a delightful experience for novices and seasoned crafters alike. The design’s striking color contrasts not only highlight the unique patterns but also infuse a lively, spirited ambiance into your home making it the perfect baby quilt project for new parents out there.

11. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Garden Trellis Border

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Designer: APQS

Are you looking for a quilting project that offers not one, but a number of design choices? Then with Angela Huffman’s “Garden Trellis” border designs, you’ll surely trellis your way to quilting! Whether you’re crafting a cozy throw or a king-size masterpiece, these patterns adapt effortlessly and are available in various sizes to suit your project. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned quilters, this design brings out a touch of nature’s symmetry to your quilt with its interlacing lines and floral hints.

12. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Let’s Party Border

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Designer: Denise Russel of Pieced Brain

If you’re looking for ways to brighten your homes, then look no further because the Let’s Party Border quilt by Denise Russel of Pieced Brain is now here! This easy-level pattern weaves together a symphony of vibrant reds, royal blues, and sunny yellows, that is the perfect way to showcase your creativity. With a size of 58″ x 70″ this is perfect as a snuggle companion or as a splash of color in your living space.

13. Free Quilt Border Pattern: Easy Diamond

Diamonds will surely be the girl’s bestfriend with this free and easy diamond border quilt pattern from Buzzing and Bumbling. Highlighting vivid red diamonds that pop against a delicate cream backdrop adorned with subtle floral patterns, this project is perfect for beginners. Ideal choice for women of all ages who cherish beauty in their creations, its diamond motif is a timeless symbol of elegance.

BONUS Quilt Border Patterns For Sale from Online Shops

1. Just For Fall Border Pattern (PDF Printable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Marita Portschy of Quilts Off The Farm

Fall in love with the majestic beauty of autumn with the quilt made just for it. Marita Portschy’s Just For Fall pattern highlights an elegant panel of everything that reminds you of this season: sunset palette, falling leaves, a basket of orange pumpkins, and a couple of songbirds sitting on a branch. The dark, wooden background made the colors more vibrant. On top of that, the borders framing the image brought a festive feel with its playful flying geese pattern. It’s affordable and easy to recreate as a beginner. Of course, you would love to have this in your room!

2. Woodland Creatures Border Patterns (Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Teresa Kidd of The Blue Door Studio Co

Fall into the rabbit hole and discover a new world with Rosemary Makhan’s Woodland Creatures. Each block of this magical quilt features whimsical fauna and floral characters that will leave you in awe every time. The way the vines crawl around the borders invites your eyes to wander on the pitch-black background, where the beauty of blooming flowers meets the charm of forest animals. Looking closely at the fabric used, you’ll see a seemingly embossed, wavy pattern. Though dainty, it brings elegance to the visual value of the quilt, making it an ideal addition to your home.

3. The Four Seasons Quilt Border(PDF Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

If you’re looking for border ideas only, you might as well choose a versatile pattern that looks lovely all year round. Designed by Judy Craddock, The Four Seasons Quilt Border is the sum of the Spring, Summer, Winter, and Autumn quilt blocks. It features a bold floral flame that blooms elegantly on an evening-hued background. The embossed details on the fabric used create a tactile effect that feels luxurious yet cozy. On top of that, the vibrant hues gave life to the quilt when black and white dominated the space. This is suited for quilters of all skill levels.

4. Simply Cool Easy Border Pattern (Digital Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Diana Beaubien of Pleasant Valley Creations

Quilt the easy breezy way with Diana Beaubien Simply Cool easy border design! Ideal for novice quilters, this pattern features a variety of size choices such as the cozy Crib (44″ x 59″), charming Throw (59″ x 74″), Twin/Full (74″ x 89″), luxurious Queen (89″ x 104″), and regal King (104″ x 104″). Diana’s pattern is a scrappy quilter’s dream, allowing you to create any combination you want. Let Simply Cool serve as your blank canvas to create a quilt that is as unique as you are!

5. Random Borders Quilt Pattern (Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Laureen of Tourmaline Thyme Quilts

Get ready for a blast of colour and sophisticated pattern with this latest work by Laureen of Tourmaline Thyme Quilts! This quilt measures 85” x 85” which is perfect for intermediate quilters who are looking for a challenge. Featuring a dynamic array of flying geese, half square triangles, and bold zigzags ,the design plays with various shapes and colors, bringing a rush of energy into any space.

6. Hearts and Loops Border Quilt Pattern (PDF Printable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Melinda of Gulf Coast Quilting

Unleash your charm as a minimalist chic with the creation of Melinda of Gulf Coast Quilting! At a height of 3 inches, this border quilting pattern is a breath of fresh air for your fabric. Imagine a delicate ribbon, playfully looping around the edge, each twirl cradling a sweet heart—a symbol of care and craftsmanship woven into your projects. Get ready to stitch a narrative of contemporary sophistication with every thread!

7. Picket Fence Border Quilt Pattern (PDF Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

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Designer: Wendy of Quilt Block Patterns

Unleash your charm as a minimalist chic with the creation of Melinda of Gulf Coast Quilting! At a height of 3 inches, this border quilting pattern is a breath of fresh air for your fabric. Imagine a delicate ribbon, playfully looping around the edge, each twirl cradling a sweet heart—a symbol of care and craftsmanship woven into your projects. Get ready to stitch a narrative of contemporary sophistication with every thread!

Here Are More Quilt Border Pattern Ideas For Inspiration

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Photo Source: Sandy Lee Hart

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Photo Source: Sew Help Me Goddess

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Photo Source: quiltingcat2

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Photo Source: Lisah Calle

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Photo Source: Pacific Rim Quilt

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Photo Source: Tadaisy Quilts

And there you have it, a treasure of border quilt patterns that prove the edge is more than just an afterthought. We hope these patterns have inspired you to see borders in a new light. Whether you’re a quilting novice or a seasoned pro, remember: the border is where your quilt gets to whisper its final secret.

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Top 13 Free Quilt Border Ideas That Will Make Your Quilt Stand Out (+7 Bonus Patterns For Sale) (2024)

FAQs

What is the golden rule for quilt borders? ›

The Golden Ratio

The ratio, in its simplest form, is 1.6 to 1. This is applied so that each border should be 1.6 times larger than the previous one. One border is 2”, the next is 3.25″ (rounding number to the nearest 14” makes cutting nicer).

What is the most popular quilt pattern of all time? ›

The Log Cabin block is one of the most well-known and popular of all patchwork patterns. To pioneers traveling West, it symbolized home, warmth, love and security. The center square of the block was done in red to represent the hearth, the focal point of life in a cabin or home.

What is the easiest quilt block pattern? ›

The Beggar's Block (or Roman Square or Cats and Mice) is a very easy quilt block. With only rectangles and a square, the block goes together so quickly! While it is simple, there are many ways to change it up to create completely different looks.

How do I choose a quilt border? ›

Be Specific about Quilt Border Choices

So pick your favorites or pick a color that needs more emphasis. Sometimes you'll want a background break border before adding additional borders, and sometimes that background border is all that is needed with the binding providing a frame to the quilt.

What is the best width for a quilt border? ›

The block size is 9-inches, and a good rule of thumb for borders is to use a fraction of the block size - 1/4 or 1/3 - as the border size. The outer black border is 1/3 of the block, or 3 inches wide.

Should quilt borders be light or dark? ›

Since most interior walls are light, quilts with lots of light colors will often benefit from having a darker border added. (Of course, the border color and value must relate to the rest of the quilt.)

What are the 3 quilts a woman should make? ›

Quilts as storytelling

According to Grace, a woman should make three quilts before she's married: a Tree of Paradise, a Flower Basket, and a Pandora's Box. Although, some versions of this truism replace the Pandora's Box with a Double Wedding Ring quilt.

What is a crazy quilt pattern? ›

Crazy quilting does not actually refer to a specific kind of quilting (the needlework which binds two or more layers of fabric together), but a specific kind of patchwork lacking repeating motifs and with the seams and patches heavily embellished.

What is the oldest known quilt pattern? ›

The crazy quilt design is likely the oldest quilt pattern, according to the National Park Service and other research. It is believed that textiles resembling a crazy quilt were discovered in early Egyptian tombs, as well as in European courts pre-dating the 17th century.

What is the most popular quilt block size? ›

Probably the most common size of quilt block (and definitely the most preferred of the FaveQuilts audience), the 12-inch size is great because it's so versatile, and you've got plenty of space to show off your clever use of HSTs or fussy cut fabrics.

How do you increase a quilt block pattern? ›

If you are trying to make a block half the size of the original, you simply need to take the original measurement (after you've subtracted the 1/2″) and divide by 2. Halving a block is probably the easiest size adjustment to make. Likewise, if you want to go bigger by double, simple mulitply each measurement by 2.

Which border do you put on a quilt first? ›

We usually add the side borders first, then finish with the top and bottom borders. After you know which borders you are adding first, measure along each side of the quilt and write that measurement down. We like to lay the quilt out on the floor to get it completely flat.

How wide should quilt edging be? ›

The standard choice is 2 1/4″ or 2 1/2″ depending on how wide you want your finished binding to look. They are both attached in the same way. Consider the thickness or loft of your quilt as this will affect the finished look of the binding. I like a narrow look so I chose 2 1/4″.

Do all borders on a quilt have to be the same size? ›

It's your quilt, make it anyway you want to. You could add a row of some other kind of designs top and bottom and keep the borders the same or make the top and bottom wider than the side, it's yours just have fun with it. I am making a quilt from a pattern where the quilt ends up square.

Do you have to square up a quilt before adding borders? ›

Now I don't want to “should” on you, but you probably would like to know what happens if you don't square up before adding a border. So, yeah, it's actually an important step because if you don't do it, you might end up with a quilt top that won't lay flat.

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