One of the first things I ask myself is how I would use the fabric; in a block, for sashing, backing, or borders and what size of quilt you would want to make. A block 1 yd of each fabric (this all depends on how many blocks are in your quilt and how many different fabrics you would want), sashing 2 yd, backing at least 4.5 to 5 yd, and borders 2.5 yd. All this would make a lap to twin size quilt.