Friday1961

Here is a red and white sampler quilt top I've just finished (by the way, I'm not happy with the red border; should have made it much wider. But I'm tired of working on this quilt and AM NOT ABOUT to take those borders off and replace them! This photo makes the white appear cream colored but it's the lighting and my poor photography. The white is a true white, a Kona fabric). Second photo is two backing choices. The solid red would be striking I think if quilted with white thread. Or I could insert a single block in the center, which might be interesting It's the same red fabric as in the blocks. I like the red and white stripe but frankly the fabric quality is not as good as the solid red. Another choice could be the red background white flowers print (3rd photo) if only I had more of it! Jo-Ann's no longer has it and I can't find it online...the selvedge on the bit I have left has no information on it.

So what think ye? Solid red, stripe, or should I go with a totally new fabric, such as red and white polka dots or a new red and white floral? Or keep searching for the fabric in the sample? I'm not interested in introducing a third color, so it has to be only red and white. Thank you for your suggestions and ideas![ATTACH=CONFIG]350824[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]350823[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]350822[/ATTACH]

feline fanatic

As a LAQ I always opt for the backing that would show off the quilting. So my vote is for the solid. I am wondering if you couldn't use one of the other two to do an additional border? Either of them would look fantastic.

Neesie

It's a beautiful quilt! I REALLY like the idea of the red/white floral, on the back . . . and would look around for something similar and available.

Tartan

I think it would depend on how you are going to quilt it, machine or hand? If quilting by hand, a solid
piece of fabric for the back is easier to quilt through. If you are going to machine quilt, how about making a giant Log Cabin block for the back? That way you can use up all the leftovers and have a reversible quilt. I think your Red and White Sampler is beautiful!

Stitchnripper

I love your blocks! If it were me, I would go with the floral or something similar, or, some geometric with circles, curves, etc. Feline Fanatic has a good idea for LAQ. For me, my quilting isn't fabulous, so I usually look for a "busy" backing. Please show us what you decide.

nativetexan

Oh i love the floral one since you have it. otherwise i'd say the stripe.

Deborahlees

I do think it is all dependent on "How are you going to quilt it"...If it is going to be by hand, yes the plain, if it is going to be my your machine either fmq or simple stippleing, then the floral...If you are going to sent it out to a longarmer, I would ask them what they would prefer. Perhaps the strip, cut on the bias for the binding would be interesting.

icon17

I think your Quilts Great!! aND i WOULD TRY A aLL OVER fLOWER print BUT with a White back ground. ps I'm Not going to change the Cap lock!! LOL

QuiltE

About the backing, you've received lots of good ideas ... ITA that the quilting would help determine the backing. You mentioned the stripe isn't as good of quality, so I'd be hesitant. Another factor to consider is getting the quilt squared up with the stripe.

You said you'd like a wider border but don't want to take off what you have.
Why not just add more borders?
Or add a simple flange in the white, and a wider strip of the red?

quilt addict

I agree with the input. I think the floral would make a great additional border and the stripe for a bias binding. Use the solid for the back and maybe feature a nice center block. I like the idea of using your scraps for a log cabin block. You didn't say what size it is so not sure if you have to piece your back.

I think the solid red on back would be a great to highlight your quilting no matter what method/style it is done.