...what - there's a rule somewhere? I do the scrappy backings myself now....since I put myself on a NO-BUY policy until the end of the year...

Amazing how very nice my backings look now...necessity IS the mother of invention!!!!! :lol:

I buy the wide fabric when Jo-Anns has 50% off coupons.Otherwise I piece backs.

I usually buy 5 meters or in your language about the same in yards. That gives me enough for a back if I need it. I buy the backing when it is on special or make up what would be needed. The only problem I have with the last quilt I did a QAYG in 3 pieces and one is upside down. My uncle won't mind because it was too late by the time I found out.

I use sheet they come in different size's

One of my coworkers is expecting baby #1. Since twins run in both families, I bought enough fabric to make two quilts...just in case. ;) When she found there was only one babe, I decided to make a crib sheet with the extra fabric. Naturally, there wasn't quite enough. So I added a strip near one end with the quilt pattern. No one knew it wasn't supposed to be there. No one will know you didn't plan it if you have to add some to your back...they will just think how clever and talented you are!!! Which you are!!! :)

Patti

I sometimes make the backing out of whole Fat Quarters that I have that are close to the colors on the quilt (using some of the quilt fabric --if there is enough to make a fat quarter).....I have even sewn rickrack over the seams. I also have appliqued huge flowers on the back, randomly placing them, using the quilt leftovers over my fat quarters.

My rule of thumb is "always buy more than you think you will ever use.!" If your "backing is lacking" there will plenty of pieces to piece one!

There is a cool technique that I have used on several occasions with lap size when I am a bit short of fabric -- it is the John Flynn method for diagonal backs.

http://flynnquilt.com/media/uploads/...onalpb1103.pdf

I did this with a busy fabric and you can't see the seam.

If its not too late try a border of another color in the quilt. Just make the border on the backing and large enough to give the right size you need.