Unless I have a project in mind I buy small pieces just enough to wet my appetite. I make a lot of scrappy items so I rarely need 2-4 yrds of anything other than backing or sashing which I buy at the end to match what I have made. 1/3 a yard usually works so I can get at least 3-4 blocks with that fabric in it if not more so in the end it all coordinates. If your pocket book allows it a yard is a nice bit to insure you will get a good mix out of it in a quilt.