Originally Posted by RST
The more modern look (as well as antique) is to have no borders at all.
The rule I learned, way back in the day, was that it's visually pleasing to have your borders be a multiple of your block size. So if your block is 12 inches, then that suggests that a 6 inch, or 4 or 3 or 2 or a combo of those would look good, whereas a 10 inch block you go with a 2 or a 5. If I'm ever stumped for what to do for a border, and for some odd reason feel the need to border a quilt, I think of that guideline, and may or may not follow it.
The only reason I can think of for mandating wide border is that it gives you space to quilt a more elaborate pattern, if that's the look you're going for.
RST
This is the direction in which I tend to lean also. Another reason for a border, or a combination of borders, is to create a frame which will highlight the piecing, or make it pop. Color is an important consideration, as well as the width.
Think of a quilt as a fine art painting. Some artists paint the sides of the canvas. No frame needed because the art sinks into the wall. Other paintings, such as a portrait, are finished with only a frame. Without a frame, the portrait appears unfinished.
A more complex painting may have a mat, or a pair of mats. The first is a "stop action" mat, called a reveal. It is designed to keep the painting on the canvas. Otherwise the mind of the viewer will try to complete the painting by allowing the sky, grass, river, or some other known aspect of scenery or action, to drift off of the canvas. (The mind does play tricks on us.) The first frame stops the action, and contains known scenes. it can be fairly narrow. Some quilters refer to the narrow, stop action border, as a sparkle. It can be flat, pipping, or tab-like.
The wider mat on the picture will add considerably to the richness of the presentation. The color choice will either bring the painting into the foreground, or tie it into the room.
When applying borders to quilts. The first question to answer is probably going to be about the size, and if you still have room for a border. (In the design phaise - do you want to make room for a border.) The next question is “What statement do I want my quilt to make?” The second question is, “What mood should this quilt provide?” Is the quilt about color, movement, tranquility, rhythm, joy, or . . . ? Inner and outer borders will make or break the statement or mood with width and color.
Different viewers will have different perspectives, so it all boils down to the designer.
YOU. In
your eyes, what looks best? Lay the top against different widths and colors of fabric to get the feel for each, and how they effect the piecing. This is one of the fun parts, without rules.
Concepts of size and color theory play a roll, but I believe that it started with some bloke who studied hundreds of quilts and wanted to know why the quilts looked so good. He then determined that sizes and color made a difference, told others about his revelation, and someone thought they were “rules” set in stone. (They are really just “rules of thumb.”
Have FUN.