It can be easy to find ourselves in a “quilting rut” with any area of a quilt, but borders seem to be particularly prone to this, perhaps because it’s easy to just be ready to be done by the time we’re quilting a border. But, borders can also add a lot of interest to a quilt, so let’s take a look at a couple of ways to jazz them up with some creative free motion quilting.

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I admit it— it’s so, so easy to think of a border as nothing more than a “frame,” or even just a way to make my quilt bigger. Both of those things can be true, of course, but a border is also its own opportunity to get creative. Personally, I like to have ideas for both approaches top of mind, so let’s look at some ideas.

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Single Motif Options

As I mentioned, sometimes it is best to be pragmatic when quilting a border— sometimes you do want it to be simply a frame. Even then, though, it’s nice to have a collection of favorite motifs tucked in your back pocket. For me, some go-to favorites are switchbacks, feathers, spiral chains, ribbon candy, and wishbones.

By the way, if you’re not already familiar, switchbacks not only add a more modern feel to a border, but they’re also an amazing way to tame “friendly” wavy borders. You can read more about that here. Spiral chains (not pictured) are also a great way to add a more modern vibe. By contrast, feathers, wishbones, and ribbon candy are all more traditional, typically. Double ribbon candies, really big wishbones, and adding fun swirls are all ways to put a fresh twist on traditional motifs.

Getting Funky with Combos

If however, you’re up for being a bit extra, rock on with yo’ bad self! Combining quilting motifs to make something new is fun, creative, and a sure way to jazz up a quilt!

Above, you'll see Modern Birds in the Air (designed by Frances Dowell. Quilted by HollyAnne Knight) with a paisley and pearl border. This combo takes classic paisleys and pebbles, but plays with the scale of the paisleys so that pebbles can nest inside. The result, in my opinion, is both elegant and funky.

You can also give feathers a fresh twist by combining them with switchbacks for borders that feel more bold and modern.

(Snow Day Quilt Pattern by Kristin Esser. Quilted by HollyAnne Knight)

(Modern Quilt by Paige Meredith Ray, Quilted by HollyAnne Knight)

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that I encourage you to try something new next time you are quilting a border instead of falling into the trap that so often catches me— “I just want to be done now”! Play around with this last quilted step of your quilts and see what creativity you can add by combining various free motion quilting motifs, and maybe even walking foot quilting or ruler work! The sky, and maybe the edge, is the limit!

PS Don’t forget to pin this post so you can find it later!