I also buy backing with the coupons when it isn't on sale. Last week I got Kona with my coupon. You can even buy a whole bolt of it and it counts as "one cut". You just have to do your homework and be flexible with what you buy. I make it a point to buy what is on sale, but will alway look for what I can use the coupons for not on sale. Kona muslin isn't usually on sale for 40 or 50% off, so using the coupons for that when it is regular price will be better than buying it on sale for 25-30% off. Batting is on sale 50% off frequently, so unless I need it right away, I wait for the sale and stock up.