How to Calculate a Scalloped Quilt Border

A scalloped border is a beautiful addition to any quilt, offering detail and charm that elevates the entire design. Unlike traditional straight borders, scalloped edges create a soft, flowing silhouette that complements a variety of quilt styles, from classic to contemporary. This decorative finish frames a quilt beautifully and adds visual interest and craftsmanship, showcasing the quilter's attention to detail. In this guest post, quilting educator, Deonn Stott, shares how to calculate a Scalloped Quilt Border for any quilt

Deonn is a gifted quilter and educator. She is the author of the recent book about taking your binding options to the next level. It's called The Ultimate Binding and Edge-Finishing Guide for Quilting and Sewing.

This book has been a best-seller over the past year and already been reprinted multiple times. If you're looking to take your binding skills to the next level it's definitely worth adding to your library.

Here's Deonn:

How to Calculate a Scalloped Quilt Border for Any Quilt by Deonn Stott

Have you ever made a quilt that just really needed a little something extra?  That was the case with this beautiful quilt made by one of my longarm clients, Shawn, using vintage Valentine handkerchiefs.  She wanted the edges to mimic the lacey look of the handkerchiefs themselves.  I think it turned out stunning!

The following tips will guide you through the process to easily calculate and create beautiful scalloped edges. 

Scalloped Quilt SUPPLIES

*  Unquilted, pressed quilt top
*  Frixion^TM pen or other removable marking instrument
*  A couple of sheets of paper, cardstock or cereal box, and a pencil
*  Sharp shears

Scalloped Border INSTRUCTIONS

1)  Determine the DEPTH of the scallop you'd like. Figure the measurement from the top of the scallop to the base. Add ½" to account for the seam allowance/binding width. It does not have to be very deep - about 1-½" to 3" will look the most pleasing.  

2)  Next, refer to the following diagram and use a removable fabric marker to DRAW a baseline on the quilt border that equals the desired depth of the scallops plus ½ inch.     

Example:  I want the depth of my scallop to be 1-½ inches, so I'll draw my baseline 2 inches from the edge of the quilt.  REPEAT on each border.

3)  Calculate the WIDTH of each scallop.  On each corner, locate the spot where the baselines intersect, and MEASURE the distance to the next intersection as diagrammed below.  DIVIDE that measurement by the number of curves or scallops you want. 
   

Example:  The quilt measures 48" between intersections, and I want 6 scallops.  48 ÷ 6 = 8".  Now I know the width and height of the scallops will be 8" x 1-½".

4)  Create a TEMPLATE.  On a sheet of paper, cardstock, or empty cereal box, draw a rectangle of the width and height you have calculated the scallops to be.  Use a curved ruler, or grab a bowl, plate, or pan lid, then TRACE the curve inside the rectangle.  Make it a gentle curve - not a full half circle.  It will look nicer, and will be easier to apply binding at the inner points.  CUT OUT the scallop on the drawn lines. 

5)  Use the template to MARK the scallops on the first border between the intersecting lines.  Use the same template to mark the opposite border.  If the quilt is square, mark the two other sides as well. If the quilt is rectangular, rather than square, repeat steps 3) and 4) to calculate the scallop width and make a new template for the sides of the quilt. 

6)  On corners, re-draw the line if necessary to smooth out the curve.  If you opt for curves instead of scallops, you can round off the bottom points.  You may need to spread out the scallops.

7)  Once the quilt is marked for scallops (or curves), it is ready to QUILT.  Do not trim the quilt until the quilting is finished. 

Stitch on the marked lines to baste the curves and scallops.

8)  When the quilting is finished, TRIM around the scallops and curves a scant ¼" from the marked/basted line.  Use long, smooth cuts with the scissors.  Now the quilt is ready for the BINDING!

Binding a curvy or scalloped edge can be a little bit tricky, but as long as you use bias-cut binding, it is a breeze!  See full Tutorials: ScallopEdgeBinding or CurvaceousBinding

A scalloped border is a beautiful way to add charm and character to a quilt. Unlike straight edges, the flowing curves create a soft, elegant frame that works well with many quilt styles. It adds visual interest and shows off your attention to detail, turning your quilt into something truly special.

Find more details for binding curves and scallops (and so much more) in my book,
Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide.

Thank you so much Deonn! You can find more from Deonn in her blog QuiltScapes and YouTube Chanel.

You can also find more of Deonn's patterns in her Etsy Shop. I particularly love this Starflowers Easy Quilt Pattern made with my Albion collection. 🙂