I usually buy one yard of fabric unless it's a good sale and then I buy 2 yards if I really like it. I usually cut my fabric in 1/2 yard cuts and store it that way. Then if I need a fat quarter I can cut a fat quarter from that and have a fat quarter left already to fold and store. When I buy fabric to use for backing I buy only what's on sale that matches the quilt top. I don't like spending that much money for that many yards of the same fabric. :?