Jan of VA you have such wonderful advice. Wish I had this info when I first started quilting about 2 yrs ago. Went to work at Hobby Lobby (fabric dept) and bought everything on sale at least 2 yards are more. No thought to coordination only bought based on price..sometimes $2 yard. I have made it a design opportunity. I seldom follow a pattern just look at my stash and say what can I make. Seldom purchase any more fabric just batting. It has been great fun but I do not buy anymore with complete abandon. I only buy what is necessary for a particular project. To answer the original question, I never buy less than a yard.