Which is "the better of two evils"?
 

I have just completed a top that is primarily white columns with a scattering of colored HSTs. My problem is that I did not have enough white to complete the top as the fabrics were from my stash. So, I had to purchase more (about 25% of the top) but try as I might, I could not match the white. So I settled on the best match I could manage. Visually, it makes me wince a bit (think bright white versus cream) but I am "taking it on the chin" and chalking it up to experience....the quilt is just for me so it's no real drama. I have now found some other white in my stash...a closer match to the predominant white in the top BUT I think it is a thinner weave/quality. Once it is placed on top of the batting I'm thinking it's thin-ness won't be noticeable and once it is quilted all will be secure. So, do I replace the obvious "wince" white columns with the thinner weave stuff so it looks more consistent colour wise or do I leave it as is and be satisfied that quilting and time will "soften" the colour difference. And, is the thinner but closer matching coloured fabric likely to cause problems if it is an inferior quality? What is more important...

This is what happens when I try to be a good girl and use what fabric I have instead of buying more!:(

i'd leave what you have. the new white you say is closer, but it probably isn't perfect. you'd go to all that work and then maybe still not be satisfied? if it were for a gift, i'd probably feel differently

What she said.

I would also just leave it. It's making you wince because you'e looking at it very critically. I haven't seen it, but I would think it adds visual interest!

From what you have said, I am thinking that the added white/cream is more so bordering the main part of your quilt top. Thus would not be that hard to remove and switch in the new whiter one?

I am one who is of the mind that it is better to take the time and switch things while I still can. Usually those early gut feelings are bang on!! So I might as well listen to it, as later, I will just hate it .... and hide the quilt! Why do all the work, if ?????????

My suggestion would be to lay your quilt top on top of a bed, or floor.
Then overlay your new white onto the parts you are replacing.
Then walk away.

Periodically come back, for what I call that "quick glance" .... often times to me, it is those quick unexpected looks at something (like this) that tell me whether it is the "right" match, or not. Whereas, if I "study" it, I start second guessing myself............

I am doing that right now with a border candidate. I have it on the wall of my office, and when I walk in, I have forgotten about it, and the first, quick glance, lets me see it fresh and somewhat unexpectedly. Yes, I think it is the one! :)

Good Luck!

I'd keep what you have and add more color!

Add scrappy borders to enlarge the quilt.

I think it depends on what your plans are for the quilt...will it lay flat on a bed or be used as a throw? For me...I would use it as it is for a throw, but if it will be displayed I would change it...that would bug me.

I would change it with the better color match if the other will continue to irritate you.

if the new fabric seems thin, would it be possible to double it up? Or would that make too much bulk? It would eliminate the possibility of the batting showing thru?
If the difference in whites bothers you now, will you be happy if you can see it after quilting? If so, I'd bit the bullet and change it now. If not, then leave it.