Which fabrics make the best borders
 

I’m trying to plan a quilt and am wondering of the different types of prints in a line, which makes the best borders? Large print, medium print, small print, polka dots, lines, tone on tone...

I like larger prints for the border. However, the best way is to get the center of the quilt done and then decide weather you want more of the same or perhaps a pieced border. Look at pictures of other finished quilts to see what you like best in different settings. Whatever you decide, have lots of fun in the process.

I'm a visual person and I need to see prints laying next to my quilt in order to decide if a certain size will work.

I agree that once the quilt top center as been assembled it's fun to play with different fabrics for the border. Depending on your desired overall size of the finished quilt and what you wish to showcase on the quilt top will dictate the type of border fabric(s) you'll want to use. I've even decided to go with no border at all.

Most often I'm inclined to do a rather subtle border but I almost always have a fun, high-contrast binding usually a stripe or busy fabric pattern. I love a little zing around the edges :)

I guess it depends what you think would appeal to the recipient of your quilt? Good luck! And be sure to share pictures!!

That's not an easy question for me. It greatly depends on the quilt, colors, design, etc. I usually use borders but they vary according to the quilt. Sorry, not a good answer for you!

Me too, I loke the lager prints in the borders

ditto ..... and ....
*border width
*proportion to the rest of the quilt elements
*mood of the quilt (playful/bright/bold vs. shabby chique vs. ??)
*how the assorted fabrics play together
*sometimes how much fabric one has!

To say the least, some quilts look great totally borderless!

Yes. All of the above
each quilt has its own ( personality)
which ever fabric you like best is the best choice.

If my quilt body is busy I usually go for a tone on tone fabric. I might add a small striped fabric as a sashing between the large border. Meaning large tone on tone, then small striped sash, then another sash just a little wider than the striped sash of the border fabric. I want the body of the quilt to shine and not the border.

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.

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.

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

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.

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! :o

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.