Perkins Dry Goods

Have you always wanted to try scalloping on a border?

The Checkerboard Table Mat is a quick project that will give you a chance to try out scalloping on a border. A template is provided with the pattern, so no measuring! Once you have transferred the template to cardstock or template plastic, you just align it along the accent border seam and mark.

Using only two fat quarters plus borders and binding, you won't have to go further than your stash to pull this project together.

Tips for Perfect Scallops every time:

1. You can MARK your scallops before or after the top is quilted. If marking before quilting, be sure to use a tool that won't rub off during handling. I typically use a pencil and mark darkly.
   


2. Do not cut the scallops until AFTER your quilting is finished. You want to have a stable border to quilt on!
   


3. Once your top is quilted and the scallops are marked, sew all around the quilt right on top of the scallop line. This is called "stay-stitching" and adds security to the bias created by the scallop curves.
   


4. After the stay-stitching is complete, trim your curves a scant 1/8" just outside of the stay-stitching line. Then clip the dip just past the stitching.
   


5. Binding for scallops must be made from BIAS cut strips. If the strips are cut 2" – 2 1/4" wide, they will hug the curves easily.
   


6. Start the binding at the top of a scallop and leave a tail so you have something to work with when you get back to the beginning.
   


7. Place a pin perpendicular to the edge at the first dip – so you can tell when to stop. Stitch with a ¼" seam, and leave the needle down when you get to the first dip.
   


8. Lift the presser foot and gently straighten the quilt edge – your clipping should make this pretty easy to do, put the presser foot down and continue up and over the next scallop.
   


9. Be sure to put the pin into the next dip and repeat from step #7.
   


10. When you get back to the beginning, leave a tail. Bring the ends of the binding together by pinning along the curve until they meet. Fold the end of the bottom tail so there is no raw edge, tuck the top tail in. Finish stitching the binding to the quilt.