I started out buying batting by the roll just because there was no local Joanne's in good old rural Ontario. The closest place to buy batting was over an hour away and I couldn't pop over every time I needed batting. I can remember buying the first roll and tying it on the roof of my van because I had no room inside with all of the carseats. DH thought I was a little crazy but at least I had a supply on hand. I usually keep a roll of W&N, Hobbs Poly down and 80/20 ready to quilt.