I worked for a quilt/decorator fabric shop when I started quilting (it's where I got bit by the bug, actually). I bought yardage when I had a specific project, and bought out of our 1/4 yd scrap bins when something caught my eye. Now I have a ton of 1/4 yd pieces that I don't know what to do with!!

I'd either buy for patterns or buy in minimum of 1 yd cuts, if you're looking to build a useable stash.

Buy what catches your eye, and check the sales if you're on a budget. For small projects, fat quarters and pre-cuts (jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs) are economical. When you're totally hooked, start buying yardage and join the rest of us suckers! LOL! Just have fun and don't spend the electricity money. You're going to need electricity to sew!

I also agree that yardage would be the way to go. Fat quarters (to me) are very restrictive.
Find the pattern and buy for it...plus a little extra, that way you know you will have enough.

My sentiments exactly....don't get bogged down by overthinking the process...have fun and get quilting!

I would suggest you go to a quilt shop as opposed to JoAnn's or WalMart. The staff at the locaL

I would suggest you go to a quilt shop as opposed to JoAnn's or WalMart. The staff at the locaL quilt shops are usually more quilified and willing to assist.

I also agree that you should go to your LQS. If you have a pattern in mind take it with you . Explain to the people in the shop that you are new to quilting and you need a little help.
If you don't have a LQS then you might want to do something like a 9 patch or rail fence and order your material over the internet.
If you want to do something else and need help let the QB members know and they will help. Just tell us what pattern you want to do.

First.... decide on the pattern to determine the amount of fabric you will need.

Second .... determine your color scheme. There are several companies that produce fabric lines of harmonious fabrics that are great to choose from.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

Jelly rolls - great for scrappy, strip piecing

Fat Quarters - small quilts....small yardage needed or scrappy larger quilts

Yardage off the bolt - great for large size quilts --- and for building your stash with whatever is left over.

Happy quilting!!

This is just my opinion, but I also purchase a little more than the pattern requires, just in case you make an error in cutting. Better to have too much then to discover your favorite fabric is out of stock in the middle of sewing your project.

Unless you buy them from Connecting Threads, they don't charge extra for cutting. I've spent hundreds with them and am always really happy