Annaquilts

It all depends on what size quilts you like to make and what style you have.

I like big lap 50x60, extra big twin 60+ x 100+, and Cal King 120X120.

I also like a scrappy look so consequently I own a lot of FQ and then buy yardage for borders 1 1/4 to 3 yards and yardage for backing 4, 6 or 12 yards.

rdupuis

I try to buy 3 yards of any fabric that I feel would be used as a border. That way I would have enough to make any size quilt without having to peace it in any way.
In starting any quilt, I began by choosing a print that I fall in love with and the colors in that print become what I work with thoughout the rest of the Quilt.

MegsAnn

I'm a scrappy quilter. If I love it, 1-2 yards, if I like it, 1/4-1/2 yard. :)

ckcowl

if you love it and think it is a fabric you would use in lots of different projects purchase as much of it as you can afford. if you 'like' it and think i may use that for something buy a yard or two (if you think it would work for good borders or backing buy lots)
if you love it but really don't know what you might do with it just a fq will probably be good. :thumbup:

pieces

Ask yourself-What kind of quilts will/do I make?
Childrens crib/lap quilts-buy childrens prints- usually several
1 yard pieces. Bright solids-1 yard of an assortment of colors.
Adult lap quilts? Scrappy? The more the merrier, that is selection, buy 1/2-1 yard pieces, you will need a wide variety of fabrics, no reason to buy large amounts of the same fabric.
Bed quilts? these quilts will require more fabrics. Scrappy?
buy 1 yard pieces of whatever you like. Don't forget to buy tone-on-tone fabrics for the background fabrics.
Bed quilts-not scrappy? You will need to figure what the pattern and size depends on. Usually a separate purchase not a stash builder quilt.
Backing fabrics- buy these fabrics when shopping at sales,
depending on what size quilts you generally make you will need to know before going to the sale the yardage amounts.

christinetindell

The former LQS owner used to tell me: "If you like it, 1 yard, if you love it, 3 yards, if you can't live without it, 5 yards"

Kayaker26

I beg to argue with my much more learned members here but doesn't it matter how much space you have to store your fabric. I am fairly new to all this but I buy 1/2 at a time that way I can get a better variety! But I am a scrappy quilter.

cizzors

Usually 2 yds. here but remember if you are building a stash don't forget the solids! I personally don't buy solids- I prefer tone on tone or marbles.

klgreene

I used to get fat quarters, but I've found that I can never finish a project when I decide to use it. So now I'm up to 1 yd. min. ANd will probably work my way up to 3. Just depends on how much you like it and think you may use it.

sheila bee

I usually purchase 3 yardsof somethine I really like and just a yard of so-so fabric....just depends ....