I usually buy 1/2 - 3/4 yd over what I need - anticipating a mistake (who, me?????????????). Then I always have a little bit left over for the next quilt or making a multi-colored binding. I cut my binding 2-1/2" and my borders I cut 4-1/2". Then I buy two or more yards (yah, the mistake thing)! But down the line, it'll all get used. I tried something different on my last quilt. I bought some charm packs - 5" and did the border in those squares. There are 42 squares per pack and I used 50 something. Turned out great. Then if there is some squares left over you can use them for something else. For what it's worth, I always buy more than I need, because I don't want to run out in the middle of a quilt and not get the same dye lot. I had that problem once - just once. Have a good day. Edie