madamekelly

I tend to like quilts that the quilter used whichever fabric they used to select colors from to be the border, but that is me, your quilt, your way. The quilt police won’t like whatever you do. (They think things must be done the “the right way” which is their way). Show ‘em the door and have fun.

Barb in Louisiana

I make the center and then audition border(s). I always have two....the smaller stop border then the final, unless I feel like more. I have to like the quilt, so I do it my way. I have chosen fabric for borders before I finished the center and absolutely didn't like them when I put the fabric next to the finished center and had to go looking for something else. I layer the borders like I think I will like them and then take a picture with my phone. Looking at it in the smaller version seems to make it clearer in my eyes and mind.

Karamarie

I'm a very visual person so often just wait until the top is done, then audition ideas.

Rhonda K

As others mentioned, audition the possible fabrics and take photos to see if you like them. Large prints can work. Be mindful of where to cut the print and where it meets up in the corners. Corner stones get me out of situations many times.

Also consider that the large prints may not line up exactly unless you "match cut" the strips. Example, large rose in border hits at the half way point. I would want the other side to match again at the half way point. It can be done with some planning of the strip cuts.

sJens

I am a visual person but I do tend to pick my borders when I am selecting fabrics for the blocks. Do I always use that border fabric, NO. Do I always use the fabric I selected for the blocks, NO. I like to see things as they go together and sometimes change my mind. That is why I have such a large stash!

Rose_P

Me, too. I have used all sorts of different fabrics on borders. It just depends on the quilt and what I feel looks best. Sometimes I have had a fabric in mind the whole time I was piecing, only to change my mind about it at the end.