Hate to say it but I do it the same as sewmorethings. I always buy at least a quarter yard ( and if I really like the fabric I'll buy half a yard) more than I need because I have had too many times that they cut the fabric short (Not on purpose, usually I think it's because we were talking) or I make a mistake of some kind. I don't do this at my local LQS but if I go anywhere not close to home I buy extra because you just never know what's going to happen! This has saved me numerous times! I learned the hard way!