2026 Quilt of Valor Update

Ta-Da!

On Saturday I decided to assemble the last 4 rows and combine them separately from the top 4 rows. Once done the bottom half was added to the top half. At this point the top measures 48-1/2″ x 65-1/5″.

Border Corner Blocks

So, in addition to assembling the rows, I got the Border Corner Blocks made. Next stop, the borders.

The Borders

Saturday the rows had all been assembled and what remained was only the borders. While there are technically 3 borders – Red, White & Blue, they are strip pieced and connected with corner squares.

First step was rotary cutting and stitching end to end the strips for the border. I didn’t want to cut too much all at once so I first cut the blue & stitched the strips together before cutting the red. After stitching the red together I cut the white.

I measure the fabric for my borders by first folding the top lengthwise and laying the border fabric along the fold. Then I trim two strips that length – one for the left side & the other for the right side.  This gives me the two side borders the same length.

The process is repeated for the top and bottom borders by measuring along the width-wise fold. I find that this helps keep the quilt top square & avoid one side being longer than the other.

Usually the top & bottom borders are measured after the side borders are added. Since this quilt has corner squares on the border, I measured before the side borders were stitched on. The corner blocks were then stitched on to the top & bottom borders before adding to the top. I forgot to get a picture of corner squares after they were added.

The Finishing Steps

Adding Borders – First the right & left borders get sewn on. Then the top and bottom.

After ironing, time for a picture of the finished top!

I have to find some backing fabric and to decide what color to make the binding. I’m thinking maybe blue. We’ll see if I get to it this week.

Hope you are making progress on whatever you are stitching this week!

Happy Stitching!

Quilt Mouse