PaperPrincess

There's no set formula for border sizes. Most of us just lay the fabric out, then put the quilt on top and move it back & forth until we like what we see!
I like the idea of more than 1 border. A narrow light color inner border (also called a stop border), around an inch finished. And a wider dark outer border, black, grey, navy, hunter, burgundy etc. I would make this wider than the finished strips, maybe 4" or so.
Here's a pretty good youtube video on applying borders:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1CuzT9nMCw

ocydroma

I want to thank everyone for the nice comments on my first attempt at my quilt top. I am my own worst critic lol. And also thanks for the ideas of borders. I am on a few quilting forums and I have to say this one is the best one!!! Once I figure out exactly what I'm going to do and figure out how to do it, I'll post pictures of the final outcome. I do have to admit I'm nervous about the actual quilting part. I know I could send it out to be long armed but I want to do all of it myself. Once again thanks for the encouragement and advice!!! Love you guys!!!

Annz

I think it came out really nice. I would pick a color that shows up the least in the quilt if it is a color that you like and it would highlight that color. I think the border should be a little bit wider than your strip size. The backing could be any color you like and make it warm and comfy.

athomenow

Looks like a jewel box! Beautiful job!