bearisgray

Do you:

buy exactly the amounts listed
buy less than listed/suggested because you think the pattern maker was being generous
or
more, because you want to allow for shrinkage and mistakes?

As far as that goes, have you found some patterns to be very close in their requirements? or are some generous? some skimpy?

I tend to buy "extra" when it's available - because I wash before cutting, make mistakes, and change my mind.

Do you take the pattern at "face value" - or do you open it up and do your own calculations for the amounts needed?

Anniedeb

I always buy more because I don't trust myself to not mess up! Usually about 1/4 -1/2 yard of each fabric listed, unless it's a small amount, as in 1/4 yard small print, might be 3/8.

grannie cheechee

Me, I always buy more. I figure I might make a mistake, and I usually do some where while trying to be sooo careful. I'd be really upset if I didn't have enough to finish or couldn't find anymore of the fabric. lol

Kassaundra

"take a pattern at face value"?????? lol lol lol I have trust issues, never would I ever believe w/o getting my graph paper, pencil and doing some math.

lberna

I always buy 1/4 of a yard more. I do go over the recommended amount and almost always it is right on, little to spare. I save myself huge amounts of anxiety by buying a little extra.

Tiggersmom

I always buy More...........depending upon my mood as to how much More. LOL

SillySusan

I haven't bought any fabric since 12/2017, (trying to use up stash) but when I did, I always bought more! Sometimes a lot more if I really liked it. (That's why I have such a huge stash.)

Jingle

I always buy more. Some of my loves I would buy 4-6 yds.

Macybaby

for clothing - there was a time I could get a good estimate by looking at the pattern - but that was ages ago. Most often buying extra or less depended on the fabric choice. Something that was directional or would require matching often needed more.

I did custom garment sewing as my first career - near 40 years ago now (my how time flies!)

As far as quilts - I rarely use patterns so end up having to figure my own yardage most times. I guess that is why I prefer scrappy, I don't have to worry about messing up!

Most of my recent fabric purchases were for stash, so buying several yards was the norm.

sandy l

Same here, and sometimes it's a whole lot more