If just purchasing fabric because I like it, I get 3 yards. If I have a project in mind, I get the required yardage, plus 3 yards (just because). I have purchased fat quarters if I need just a bit more variety for a project. I have never purchased charm packs, jelly rolls, just can't justify the expense. I did get a 10 inch collection of some landscape and building material fabrics to use for applique.