Borders and More!

As I was researching the chinoiserie panel, I saw several borders used in different quilts, which got me wondering about borders. Naturally, I then had to research border fabric that has obviously been around for some time. Also, I was surprised to see borders printed both horizontally and vertically which is convenient depending on the fabrics intended use.

Border fabric was printed to be used for petticoats, with one border printed horizontally to provide a finish to the petticoat. A simpler print was used on the remainder of the fabric, which would make for easier block printing. It also allowed for one seam to be added to create the tube and as an early form of ready to wear, kept in stock. Once the petticoat was selected it could simply be fitted at the waist.

Some borders were printed vertically on the fabric for the purposes of curtains. Again, a simpler print was used on the remainder of the fabric, which would make for easier block printing. In several cases, rather than simply using a dot or diamond, the image used in the curtain was a single motif used in the border. This made the fabric ideal for quilts too, using the motif printed fabric in the pieced section of the quilt and the border to frame the quilt as desired. Quilters do love a good border fabric!