I usually buy 3 yds at a time and then if I see a particular pattern I like I buy the contrasting fabric to go with it. I also buy white on white (WOW) a lot to have on hand. If you buy fat qtrs aor 1/2 yd pcs you never seem to have enough to work with, at least I don't. because you have to figure the border and binding take quite a bit. But everyone has a different view on this subject.