e4

No rules, but if you are using 3 borders, 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 usually doesn’t look very good unless they contrast really good (e.g., two prints and a solid). Better is usually some ratio of 2-1-2 or 3-1-3. Even 1-2-3 often looks good (note these are ratios, not the actual size). Often having something thin contrasts nicely with wider borders. But as others have said: Decide what looks pleasing to you!

themadpatter

Using the Fibonacci sequence will help you to have borders that are pleasingly well-balanced to the eye. Here are a few websites that explain:
http://thunderbayquilters.org/?page_id=381 Scroll down to where it says "Border Widths" It gives a very good explanation of the Fibonacci sequence, also known as the golden rule.

https://comestitchwithme.com/2014/09...h-for-a-quilt/

feline fanatic

I agree with themadpatter. Too many peoples hackles get raised with the word "rule" but as mad pointed out the Fibonacci sequence, also known as the golden ratio (and also the golden rule, which I think the OP was striving to get the answer for) is most pleasing to the eye and appears in nature over and over again from seashells to sunflowers (hence why most find it appealing to the eye yet don't even know why, it is almost as though we are hard wired for it) Here is an excellent article written by Jinny Beyer regarding it and calculating border widths. https://jinnybeyer.com/golden-ratio-...s-for-borders/

Jingle

I do whatever I think works. I never ask for other's opinions as I don't want any.

Homespun

Thanks for this information.

Jordan

Really didn't know there was a rule??!! I just add borders to my liking. Try and audition some and see what looks good to you. I am sure it will be very nice.

Snooze2978

I didn't know there was a rule either. I just use whatever looks good to me. I like borders on my quilts as it frames the blocks to me.

phranny

[QUOTE=feline fanatic;8185025]I agree with themadpatter. Too many peoples hackles get raised with the word "rule" but as mad pointed out the Fibonacci sequence, also known as the golden ratio (and also the golden rule, which I think the OP was striving to get the answer for) is most pleasing to the eye and appears in nature over and over again from seashells to sunflowers (hence why most find it appealing to the eye yet don't even know why, it is almost as though we are hard wired for it) Here is an excellent article written by Jinny Beyer regarding it and calculating border widths. https://jinnybeyer.com/golden-ratio-...s-for-borders/[/QUOTE

Yes, that is the word I meant, RATIO, not rule! Thanks for the info provided. My blocks are only 5" finished, but the overhang on my quilt will be quite large.

phranny

Thanks for the info, that is exactly what I was searching for!

Onebyone

I think most know when something looks like it belongs and pleasing to the eye whether it being a color, design, or size. The rule had to look good to many for it to become the rule in the first place. IMO.