When making a quilt, I try to buy the backing at the same time as the other fabric for the front - I just make sure I know what sized quilt I'm making first of all - then add more fabric than you need for the backing - and there is usually leftovers from the front blocks also - so I suggest getting to know a pattern that is easy for you to make a quilt bag out of the leftover fabric from both front and back - no waste, and a great way to store the quilt - or present it as a gift - no wrapping needed, and a nice bow? What better way to give! and you have no waste to amount to anything at all.