some of my quilting instructors use the phrases "right side" and "other right side"...meaning that neither is the wrong side...it's just what you choose.

I like that description ktbb!!! :D:D:D

Look at the selvidge. You can easily see right and wrong side from that.

Which ever side my eye decides is the right side... cept from one moment to the next my eye sees the same piece of fabric differently lolol I just pray I pick the same side through out the project lolol

It's very hard to tell with solids. If your eyes are good enough you might be able to tell from the weave. It's flatter on the back and more raised on the front.

A hint for keeping it consistent throughout your quilt, if you decide one side is the "right" side, mark the back side every few inches with a chalk pencil before cutting. Then you won't have to decide each time you pick up a piece. This works great for batiks too. :)

I agree, it is hard to tell.

With my white and whites, I hold them up to the light and then I can tell what side is what.

I appreciate discussion of deliberately using the "wrong" side, since I'm considering that as a possibility for the binding on the quilt I'm working on (not sure I like any of the "right" sides of the fabric I have on hand with this top).

From my POV, the fabric having two sides gives you two different color choices from the same piece. ;)

When there is a question I go by the texture.. the "front" of the fabric is usually a little more "finished" than the back.

If you hold the fabric under bright light, you can see that the weave is nicer on the right side, rougher on the wrong. And if you can't tell, then don't worry about it. Generally, I can tell the difference, but there have been times when I can't.