I always buy 5 or 6 yards if I want to use it in a pattern. For background I buy about 10 yards. For backing I buy 8 -10 yards. My theory is use it now or use it later. I like bigger amounts because by the time I get to using it I probably won't be able to match it. I usually make queen or larger sizes and want to be sure I have enough to make whatever pattern I pick out. I save the leftovers for log cabins or scrappy.