If I don't have a plan for the fabric, I usually buy 3 yards.

all of it!

If it is a fabric that I consider to be a good basic fabric then I will buy 3-4 yards. If I like it I will buy 1 yard and if I love it I will buy 2-3 yards.

I almost always buy at least 3 yards, more if I really like it.

I am still a newbie to this quilting thing - but I also sew clothes, etc. - I usually get 3 yards (depending on price, of course), then I have enough for almost anything my heart desires. :-)
Marysewfun

Beings as how I am not a scrappy quilter I always buy at least 3 yards. I feel that way I will most likely have enough of that one particular pattern to finish piecing a top. I have bought less and ran out of fabric before top was done and couldn't find anymore of it. Lesson learned.LOL

If I really love it and dont know what I am going to make with it..anywhere from three to five yards lol.

This is what I do, too! LOL Seems like I can always duct tape my pocketbook's mouth. Sometimes I can still hear it though. Sounds like my husband's voice.

I usually always buy a yard. if it is on sale i have been known to buy 3 yards.

I buy 3 yards. That way I'll have enough for a border if I want to use the fabric for the quilt I'm making. For blender fabrics or whites and creams, I buy a bolt of each.When the bolts get down to 1/2,then I'll buy more to keep the stock up.It sounds like a lot and it is at the begining, but after that it's not so much.