Ask Alex: Prairie Point Borders

Quilting expert Alex Anderson gives step-by-step instructions on how to calculate, make and attach prairie point borders.

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Quilt maker and viewer Nancy Mandoky's query for quilting expert Alex Anderson: Is there a full-proof method for calculating prairie point borders?

Alex has the following recommendations for calculating, making (folding) and attaching prairie point borders.

Folding prairie points:

Start with a selected fabric square.
Fold the square into a half square triangle, right sides out.

Fold the square again into a quarter-square triangle and press.

Once folded, the raw edge will be the same length as the initial square.

Calculation:

To determine the initial size of your points, consider the proportion of your quilt. Alex suggests auditioning various size points to determine what looks best. In this case she chose to measure one block in the quilt and divide that length into approximately 3-1/2 prairie points.

Attaching prairie points:

With right sides together and raw edges aligned, place prairie points along one side of the quilt top. When satisfied with the placement and all points are pinned down, continue in the same manner around the rest of the quilt top.
Sew the prairie points with a 1/4-inch seam.

Layer, baste and quilt the quilt top. Stop quilting approximately 1/2 inch from the edge.

Trim the backing 1/4 inch beyond the raw edges of the quilt top and prairie points. Carefully trim ONLY the batting slightly less than the raw edge of the quilt top and prairie points.

Turn the prairie points away from the center of the quilt. Tip: Note that the seam allowance turns inward. Wrap the backing over the edge of the batting. Secure the backing to the prairie points with pins, and then hand stitch to close.