I don't like when I'm following the cutting directions to cut a 5" strip just to end up cutting a 5" hex out of it. I've learned to carefully read and analyze the pattern before I start cutting - of course that doesn't help when purchasing the pattern & fabric together. I don't appreciate overbuying.

In many cases, I will analyze the instructions very carefully before buying fabric.
One specific instance stated I needed 1.25 yards of a certain color. The picture only showed a minimal amount of it. I read the cutting instructions. "Cut four 2" strips." I kept reading, wondering if there was more to cut from this color for a different part of the project. It turns out it was just a printing error. Only needed 1/4 yard, not 1 and 1/4. So I only bought 1/4 yard, and made the penciled in correction on my pattern.

I was just saying the same thing today. I am doing a quilt with In The Beginning Fabrics and bought what was required. I can make two quilts out of what they said was required. Not that I mind stash, but gees.

I used to sew garments and finally learned to buy at least 1/4 yard to 1/2 yard less than called for, depending on pattern, as the layouts were wasteful. (I still followed grain lines carefully)

I like the idea of extra fabric - I can always use it for something else. I do buy kits often and am not happy when there isn't any "leeway" in the amount. One mis-cut and you need to head to your stash and find something compatible. Some kits have pieces that are so close to the size needed that when you try to square up the piece it becomes too small to use.

Gai, you can "throw" your scraps way over to your west side! Lately, I have only been buying 1/2 yard of anything. It's a personal challenge & I really like to have as many different fabrics in a quilt as I can. It's not so much scrappy as just lots of different, coordinated fabrics. Like on our AOTH quilts! Anyway, you'll have to throw with extra gusto as the winds are westerly now!!!!

The last kit that I bought was way short on fabric. I had a 5" piece that I was supposed to cut three 2" strips from! I was told it was because I prewashed my fabric. I would rather have a little extra but maybe not enough to make another quilt with.

I just bought fabric for a Queen size quilt. I didn't know there would be a lot of fabric left over. It may not be on mine - especially if I cut it wrong. Still kinda new to actually piecing much.

Personally I am not financially fortunate enough to be able to afford to throw anything away. I save everything as long as I can cut a 4" square out of it for scrappy quilts and shop at thrift stores to find garments that I can cut down and use the fabric for my quilts.
That being said, if I purchase fabric for a quilt I want the estimated yardage to be accurate for the project and if I wish to buy extra for later will add that if I have the funds to do so. I do not want to be manipulated into purchasing something that isn't required in order to pad their bottom line.
Ann in TN

When I design a pattern to share, I put what I use in my quilt and then add 10% -I find that if people do not cut the way I do they will run out of fabric. This allows for a couple cutting errors, which happen to me quite often. grin