There are a few differnt types of kaleidoscope quilt patterns, do mean the stack and whack or OBW types? With these type it will depend on the pattern repeat of the fabric. eg I have a fabric that I want to make a OBW out of, it has a pattern repeat of 24" and I need 6 repeats of the pattern, so I would need 4 yards (6 x 24") (I usually buy 5 so I have some of the original to put on the back). Hope this helps