Yes Kiswift, that is very helpful. I'll need to add that to my 'cheat sheet'.

I always make sure I have a bit more yardage than the pattern calls for to piece the quilt top, in case I make a mistake.
As for the backing, I don't always buy the yardage the pattern suggests. Sometimes I wait until the quilt top is done and then piece the leftover fabric to make quilt art for the backing.

klswift- thanks- I never knew that. I have a lot of pre-cuts.

good tip

Probably don't make as many quilts as you all but I do sew other things as well so I use my stash a lot. Many, many small gift type items can be made from charms, layers and fats so, in this instance, I would get the pattern then search my stash for fabric. Also, it's super handy when I choose to do any applique. Can convert yardage to precuts and vice versa but usually don't. Usually if I make a quilt from a pattern it's because I fell in love with it just the way it was and most likely follow it to a tee if possible although I may change the colors if those pictured are not available. Sometimes, however, I forget to cut the binding first and find I don't have enough left to finish my quilt and I'll shop my stash for binding. Have a hard time with scraps but do much better with precuts. In fact, I like precuts.

I always buy more as I do make mistakes and learned the hard way printed instructions can be wrong.

I find that my best creations come when I miscalculated my yardage and have to go to plan B. It makes me think outside the box. Fortunately I have stash to shop.

If I'm buying fabric for a particular quilt pattern, I always get 1/2 yard more than called for. If I'm doing something scrappy, I just keep searching my stash for more pieces that will go well together. I am blessed with a fairly decent sized stash.