Here I go again, got the piecing done and the amount of fabric I bought for the backing is lacking! Now I have to do a search and pay top dollar to get the same fabric to match.
What is the rule of thumb when buying fabric--6 yards?
Thanks.

What about a scrappy backing? My backs don't always coord w/front...it's the back is my theory. When I buy fab "just because" I Usually buy three yards.

I'm with Julie I make scrappy backs sometimes..

Yep, me too...

i've seen some recent postings where the quilter put a stripe of other fabric vertically or horizontally on the back. many times, this stripe is pieces of the other quilting fabrics from the front. it does not detract from the quilt at all. in fact, quilts from the past used all of the front fabrics on the back in some way in case they needed to use a piece to fix the front.

I buy it by the bolt, no half measures for me! LOL

Oh My! If there is a rule then I have seriously broken it!!

Scrappy backs are great.

I do this often, so if you search my pictures, you should see some.

Here's one:http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-91207-1.htm

I like to add extra whenever I have to piece backings...but most of my quilts are lap size (not larger than 80 inches either way), so I tend to get 4 yards that I cut into two 2 yard pieces and then run the 2 yards horizontally with the extra strip between the two.

I dislike having a seam between the two pieces...to me it distracts where an extra pieced strip looks like I meant to have that seam!

I rarely buy the 108 width.....and without a seam, I wouldn't piece extra.

Rule of thumb? Rule of arm? Rule of foot??
None of them suit me, I purchase what moves me at the moment. Piece the backs; I always have.

Jan in VA

The amount of fabric needed for the backing depends on the size of the top - and if the quilt is to be long-armed or hand quilted.