Every quilt doesn't need a border. Borders can work like a picture frame to set off a pieced top, especially multiple borders in different widths. They can also be an easy way to increase the size of a quilt, since the edges of a bed quilt hang over the side anyway and detailed piecing wouldn't be easily seen.

You don't need a border to attach the binding. Binding is the edge treatment that closes the quilt sandwich from front to back. You can do everything by hand, but I think most people machine it to the front, then fold it over and whip stitch it to the back. You'd have a hard time making all the edges and seams line up if you machine sewed it from the back, and then the front of your quilt's binding would look sloppy.

The batting and backing should be about three inches wider than the top on all sides, mostly on pieced tops. Quilting can easily cause all those top seams to stretch a bit.

Sure you can piece batting and backing if you need to. Batting has to be butted up against the next piece without overlap and basted with a fairly loose overhand stitch to hold it securely. Pieced backing should be made with vertical seams, with a center panel and the remaining width added as two strips on either side. That's so a bed quilt will wear well, since you mostly pull quilts up and down and you wouldn't want to be pulling on a cross wise seam. You avoid a center seam because you generally fold a quilt on center and that also stresses a seam.

There are many, many quilting patterns. Generally you match the style of the quilting to the style of the quilt. Some quilts are elegant and call for feather borders, and some quilts are rustic or contemporary and need simpler or more modern designs. Stippling, meandering, McTavishing are all variations on a free hand, no marking required, background machine quilting 'fill in.' People do it because it emphasizes other bigger more open designs--makes them stand out more. Hand quilters do the same background type work, generally more grid work which is easier by hand but requires some long, straight and perfectly parallel lines.

People still tie quilts. It's quicker and even more casual, for a utilitarian type of quilt, and can be very charming especially on children's quilts.

V'freak, those are a lot of questions! Patsy's answer is great and there isn't really anything to add.

I'm glad you are thinking about picking up a basic quilting book. Not that you can't ask questions here, but looking through a book would give you a good basis for the craft and answer general questions. I promise you'll go back to it many times over the years so it won't be a waste of money. I believe my books have probably saved me money because they've helped prevent some disasters! It sounds like you are as hooked on quilting as the rest of us, so it's a good investment!

Kate

Those are some good questions, and some good answers so far. The fact is, everyone will do things differently, and you will find a method that works best for you. I CANNOT stipple on a regular sewing machine. Some people can, but not me.

I would like to add that while not every quilt needs a border, I like to put one on. It seems my quilt shifts around while I'm quilting it and with a border you can square it up (trim and make all sides the same) easier.

My first quilt was tied, not quilted. Stitch in the ditch is not as easy as it seems. If you want you can just sew a straight line grid. Alternate the direction you sew because the fabric will tend to "creep", even with a walking foot.

beverly

beverly - never thought of the border as a way to help squaring up after you quilt ~ very good reason to put on a border ~ Do you add a little extra to the width of your borders, that you don't quilt, intending to cut the extra off, but it is there just in case you need it to do a final squaring up ?
Thank you for the tip!

Yes, I do add about an extra 1/2 inch or so. It wastes some fabric, but makes squaring up so much easier.

beverly