I mostly make children's quilts which I donate to various charity organizations. If the material is on sale...I buy 3 to 5 yards. If it is not, I tend to buy 1.5 yards...I can always find something I already have to match it up. Of course if it is on sale and the end of the bolt (with discount) all that is on the bolt. I'll match it up sooner or later with something I have already in my stash.