I usually buy 3 to 6 yards of something if I really like it. Fat quarters just aren't enough. I have to have yardage. If I am buying for a certain pattern, I will buy the required amount but if I am adding to my stash.......which I do more often than I should..(blushing) I buy quite a bit because by the time I get around to using it, I want to make sure I have enough. :)