Okay here is an idiots' question...

On solid fabrics.. (white) how do you tell the front from the back...or does it really matter?

I have to admit - I use either. Can't say that's right though! :)

Sometimes it is impossible to tell front from back so just use it either way. No one else will be able to tell either.

Sometimes people will deliberately use a print backwards because they like the muted side better for a particular project.

There are no RULES LOL

Sometimes I use the white on white fabric backwards, it is heavier than plain white, and I don't want the embossed white so noticeable. On plain fabrics I can never tell one side from the other.

I use the side that looks the best.

:thumbup:

not mattering front or back is one reason I love batiks so much. They are the same way, there is no right side up :lol:

You can tell by looking at the selvage edge of the fabric, take a close look at the little holes that are left by the sprockets on the winding machine, usually you can tell the right side of the fabric when the tiny holes are smooth and go downwards into the fabric, the wrong side has a slightly rough feel where the holes push out/up a little bit! Hope I am explaining this properly, if not perhaps I can send in a pic. This is the general rule of thumb for cotton fabrics plain or patterned.

Gal

My theory is.... you buy both side, might as well use both sides. I have quite often used the "back" side of material because it has the shade I want in my quilt. I did this doing an attic window quilt. Loved how it turned out.

I really don't think it matters. I can tell by the printing on the selvage, but sometimes I don't have that to go by.