Theresa, I would guess that choosing a border fabric from your stash and then choosing scraps to coordinate would be the safest way to avoid having to buy more fabric. The only finished scrap quilt I made had no border, but I did have to buy fabric for the backing. I really don't have much of a stash, only scraps from finished quilts. I'm making a Scrappy Mountain Majesties quilt right now in greens and neutrals, but I don't know if I will border it or not. If I do, I'll probably have to visit the quilt shop.

I usually do exactly the same thing as toolgranny. :) If you don't have border fabric that "matches" your scrappy quilt center you can always piece a scrappy border!

Donna

I guess it depends on if I have a urge to use a certain print for something but don't want to chop it into little bits, then I would plan on using it for a border or backing. I like making scrappy things, usually in a rainbow of colors. That said, I do seem to shop a lot for "just the right fabric" to finish off a quilt. LOL

I make the quilt and worry about the border later as well. Who knows what size the finished quilt will end up. Sometimes you start a large quilt and it ends up crib size. When you know for sure it's easy enough to buy just what you need for a binding.

I make the scrappy quilt and then decide on borders. I like a narrow solid border and then a wider border made from a scraps used in the quilt or from a solid-colored fabric.

~Geraldine

Well, by now, you all know me! I never know what my scrappy quilts will end up looking like so don't have a clue about borders.....or even if it will need one! I fly by the seat of my pants (decide as I go along).

I've never even tried a scrappy .....except for a little scottie dog I made. Perhaps it's too much O-C-D for me to do scrappy.....There must be some therapy for that, right???? How do you learn to do scrappy without breaking out in hives...........Funny, tho, but I do love LOOKING at scrappy and I think they are so cool...but to do one? oh my. Hence, I have to shop for the perfect border AFTER the top is done.

I just go scrappy and hope I have enough for a border if needed.

Thanks all for your thoughts. I usually do what most of you suggested...top first.

I have the scrappy patches cut, now need a neutral to work on. I have three smaller tubs that I use for scraps, small pieces. I tidied them up this morning after digging through and wondered about a number of them. Like, why did I buy this, when did I use it, what quilt is it in. Boy, the mysteries!

My car is in the shop for a few days so lots of time to sew.

Theresa

Theresa, I think we all have those fabrics! But as Bonnie Hunter says, if it's still ugly you didn't cut it small enough! I think with enough variety just about anything will blend in.

Donna