2 to 3 yards if it is good for borders,2 if going to use for sashing, 3 if it is a nuetral and used for background. If you want to build your stash w/ pretty colors then at least a yard. Itf the price is right then 6-9 for the backing of a quilt. Limit yourself on Fat q's till you build a bigger stash and have many other fabrics that coordinate. Just keep in mind 4 fat Q's make a yard and that yard can cost up to $10 instead find sales and buy yardage. If you want fat q's you need 16 coordinationg to make a lap quilt.