I tend to buy yardage - just in case something happens I guess. If it is for a specific project and I only need a small amount, I have been known to buy a half yard. I've never been very fond of the fat eighths or fat quarters - not sure why. Just my way of being peculiar maybe. With 4 daughters, I often find myself making duplicates for the holidays and F8s and FQs don't stretch too far.