What is your opion on the backing fabric always matching the front of the quilt?

I rarely do that!!!

Mine don't match; I choose what I like and it feels like two different quilts sometimes.

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. I usually try to color coordinate them. Sometimes it is wide backing, sometimes leftover pieces from quilt. I really do not like piecing backing though, so I do as little as possible.

Thanks that is my opinon as well, someone in my quilt club always insists when we are making charity quilts that we find fabric to go with the front. I say it is more interesting if they don't match.

sometimes but not always.

I would either stick to the theme of the front or choose a similar color or go complete left field and choose something that is pretty in my eyes.

oh my suck detail for chairity quilts........what difference does it make if the back matches. I don't put ugly fabric on the backs but something that would not be really out of place.
I do match the binding and try to coordinate a bit with the backing.
About chairity quilts::::: someone is always misguided if they think the recepient really cares about matching backs...
My story is a group that wouldn't pay the part of postage for a box of fabric because some of the fabric were blends and they only used cotton. Now this was a group in south Florida. So they paid only for the portion that was cotton. They didn't get any more fabric from me.

that should have been "oh my such" and not suck. My fingers are not doing the walking right tonight.

I guess I sewed coordinated clothing outfits & home decor for too many years, because I have to have the back coordinate & match the front. lol

It depends on how much fabric I have left. Sometimes I just choose something that will "go" with it. One quilt will have a autumn theme and the back will be summery so I can change it over sometimes. Usually I have a simple print, or tone on tone for the back.

Mine dont always match, but I do like the back to be attractive,even if it is pieced.

Mine rarely match. I like a surprise on the backs of my quilts.

Depending on the look I want for the quilt I rarely do it.

I sometimes use an old sheet - white cotton for the back of mine and applique some of the fabric used on the front onto it. I might even add a piano keys border to pull it all together. Generally though I don't fret over matching backs and fronts. Oftentimes money is an issue.

I use whatever I've got that blends well with it. I match the binding to both usually. Most times when I have to piece the back, I do add something decorative to spice it up a bit. Extra blocks, a framed strip of fabric with the recipient's name, etc.

I use 'whatever works'- sometimes it matches sometimes it contrasts but I do try to coordinate the binding.

I try to match the back, but if not, I like it to be attractive and a close match to the binding.

It depends---on lots of variables. The first one being the health and well being of my checkbook, the second being my stash and the third being the quilt that I'm working on. When I did my Wizard of Oz quilt it had W of O fabric on the back too. I'm making one for a late cousin's wife out of blocks and fabric that her late sister made and it's not going to match at all but it will be Pat's fabric so it will be okay and Mickey will love it.

i use muslin around 95% of the time. I buy 108" wide with 50% off coupon, Save my money for more fabric for tops.

never.
well i guess i shouldn't say it that way...but the backing is always very different than the top...but they do (coordinate) but with my quilts you can flip it over on the bed for a change of scenery...each side is beautiful...and different

i put complement fabric or whatever I want...

didn't know they had to match. I usually use darker or busier fabrics for backing as my quilting still isn't hat great.

My story is a group that wouldn't pay the part of postage for a box of fabric because some of the fabric were blends and they only used cotton. Now this was a group in south Florida. So they paid only for the portion that was cotton. They didn't get any more fabric from me.[/quote]

They wouldn't have received any more from me either. How ungrateful. True quilt snobs. I had a lady in a quilt shop ask me if I'd like some bags of fabric after my girlfriend told her I made charity quilts. I said "that would be terrific, thank you." Well we couldn't believe the bags that kept coming. While there were some fabrics that were suitable for quilting a lot of it was more suited to ladies blouses or little girl's dresses. My friend did make one quilt but the fabric was very hard to work with.
We hung onto it for a while then heard of another friend from quiltshop classes who was making little tops for premmie babies to wear while in the incubators. She was so pleased when we offered her all this light weight fabric.
When something is a donation and all you are asking is they pay postage how could they be so nit picky. Sorry you struck such ingrates.
Happy Quilting

To reply to the original post:- I don't worry about matching but do try to coordinate. I always make the binding to either match or compliment the front. For scrappy quilts I've pieced the backs and if I don't have enough fabric I'll try to add something that goes with it.
A friend has a lovely idea which is easier on her bank balance as she is a widow on a fixed income. She takes what you call muslin but we call calico and embroiders Redwork randomly over it. Great for kids quilts as it's an extra surprise. Not always red either.

I'm afraid I'm one that always has a matching or complementary fabric on the back. I make a lot of large throw sized quilts and I like it that way so that if it's draped over the couch or something, both sides go together. The only exception is that I use muslin on the back of wall hangings. I figure no one will be seeing the back.

depends on if it will always be on a bed or more of a lap or baby quilt

Just finished up an Amish block quilt and it was just black with other tone on tones. The backing fabric could not be so tame for me so while on retreat I found a lively floral that's background was black but all of the colors used in the front blocks was represented in the flowers (reminded me of some 60's prints). Can't wait till tonight when I turn it in at the guild meeting.

I guess it's a personal choice. Mine match sometimes, and sometimes I use something very different. Depends on what/who the quilt is for.

Since I am trying to use up some of my fabric stash, I am not as particular as I used to be. Now I just look for something in the same color family and what will co-ordinate with the binding

fabric that GOES, and fabric that MATCHS, are two different things ;)

I don't think they have to match........ If it's a scrap quilt I like to make the back scrappy too. Sometimes a plain fabric works well in showing off the quilting.
Just my openion.............. don't believe there is a right or worng.

Know this is an older post but just could not comment on the group who would not pay on the blends-----------I was totally shocked but then should have known there are people out there like that. Guess they have never been in a position to be glad to have what is available.

Depends, if I can get enough of the matching fabric, yes. If not no. I have been making scrap quilts and I use what ever looks good with the quilt.

My goal in 2011 is to use up as much of my stash that I can. I am "allowed" to buy the four B's...backing, border, background, batting.
D