Inserting a Decorative Flange

Got a quilt that needs a little something to snazz it up, but you don't know what? How about adding a tiny extra decorative flange?

That's what I did within the border of the Pumpkin block table runner, making this project go from ho-hum to wow!

Notice this is within the border, not at the binding edge, which is the Piped Binding technique. The tutorial today is for placing a flange within the border or around a block with sashing.

And it's easy to do! Of course, on this project, I had to take off the outer border first after discovering how boring the borders were without the green flange. But what's a little seam ripping? Better to bite the bullet and make it right/beautiful, than to have a project that one is not happy with.

So, just how easy?

Cut narrow strips

For a tiny flange, approximately 1/8" wide, cut enough strips 3/4" wide. 

If the project needs a wider flange, use the chart below to determine the cutting size for the desired width:

Desired width of Flange	1/8”	1/4”	3/8”
Cut width of strips	3/4”	1”	1 ¼”

Anything more than 3/8" doesn't need to be an inserted flange, and should be a wide enough strip to just be sewn in.

If needed, stitch pieces together as if making binding (on the diagonal) to get the necessary length for the project.

Press the strips

Then, carefully press the strips in half, matching the cut edges. This step is important, so take the time to match those edges!

Baste the flange

Carefully line up the cut edges of the flange piece with the cut edge of the project. Use glue if necessary to hold it in place. If the edges are not in line, the flange will narrow and widen on the project, which is noticeable when dealing with such narrow widths.

Baste the flange to the project (border or block), 1/8" from the cut edges.

Overlap cut ends in the corners - do not apply like binding and fold to go around the corner.

Apply border or sashing strip

Attach the border or block sashing strip, carefully stitching a 1/4" seam allowance after lining up the cut edges. 

This is another area where precision counts - a wavy seam results in a wavy flange. Take your time - no need to rush!

If you're feeling super confident, the flange and border/block sashing can be stitched to the project at the same time, eliminating the flange basting step. I, personally, would rather do it one at a time, so as not to risk the flange moving.

Finishing up

Once the border/block sashing strip is on, carefully press open that strip, exposing the flange and keeping it flat.

When quilting, stitch-in-the-ditch in the seam of the flange/border or block sashing. If quilting on the free side of the flange, try not to catch it the quilting by lifting the flange up and out of the way, if necessary. Then admire your work!

Happy Quilting!