Thats not an uncommon occurance, I'm afraid. What size quilt are you making?

Can you send a photo of the top?

Lanny

The rule of thumb would change depending (obviously) on the size of the quilt, but I'd have to say I agree with most of the folks here who recommend a pieced back. Much more interesting!

NO PLEASE DON'T!! I enjoy me freedom too much!! :-)

I don't buy my back until I have the top finished... then I can measure it and get only what I need.

How much more fabric do you need for the backing? How short are you?

Thank you for all your suggestions. The quilt is lap sized (maybe a little larger) and I had bought all coordinating fabric but it won't be enough. Never thought about scrapping the back and I have quilts that are like that-duh.
Now I can experiment with the back, besides I like piecing the best so it prolongs the border, binding stuff.

Pat

My GM and GAs always used what was at hand. I was always under the impression that the back was never seen so what difference does it make? Whatever crumbles your cookie. I never worry about the back cause my quilts are to be used. Never had a guest walk into my bedroom and turn my quilt over to see the back. Very bad manners.

I am with CJ, "there is rules?" If I run out of material, I head for the stash and do a little creative designing to come up with what I need. Have been known though once or twice to have to go back to store for a yard or so more to finish something special I was working on.

There are no rules. Quilting rules are best broken. I often run short of backing fabric. I try to use things I have or fabric I got on clearance. Put a block of another fabric in the middle or put a strip of some blocks down the middle.

I use whatever I have around for the backing. If I don't have enough, I'll buy something on sale.