When I first started quilting I would buy small pieces...maybe 1/4 or 1/2 yard...That was a mistake since when I started trying to use some of my 'stash' I didn't have enough of anything. So now I buy at least 2 yards regardless of whether I have a difinite idea for it. When I see several matching fabrics I'll get at least 2 yards of each of them and the one I like the best I might get 4 or 5 yards. Now my stash is pretty full of yardage that I do something with.