I buy with charity quilts in mind so I usually get a yard and a half (our quilts are about 40"x50") for backing, or 3 yards if it is a cute kid print or that hard-to-find male print. We use fleece for backing on some quilts and a yard and a quarter of 58-60" fleece will back a quilt.

Thank you all for your input. Like most of you I don't like the thought of "not having enough", still pretty iffy on the cutting.

ditto

3yds if I love it, more if I can afford it. I usually don't buy less than 2yds. :D:D:D

If I really LOVE the piece, I will get 2 1/2 or 3 yards. Otherwise 1/2 or 1 yard. I like quilts with several fabrics or scrappy quilts.

If I like it and know I'll use it in a quilt I'll buy three yards. If I think it will be a good backing fabric and it's a bargain price I'll buy 7 yards. If it is a fabric that has the color or design I think is fabulous and it is not on sale I will buy a fat quarter and wait for the line to be on sale.

Guess I'm the odd one... I used to buy a yard or two, but now lean towards the fat quarters! Love scrappy quilts, and the more variety, the better. Any large pieces I have, I tire of before they are done.

I like this subject. I will be moving soon to a Senior Complex Apartment. Moving fabric is a never ending job. For years, I have tossed my scraps in a box or have cut them into 5.5 inch squares. I probably have 25 lbs of just those squares. So started going through my scrap stash.
What a job! I'm almost finished cutting different shapes and sizes and leaving the itsy-bitsy pieces for the trash. I learned a lesson when doing that. Don't ever look at that tiny strip or scrap. It will eat your heart out to throw it in the trash. BOO HOO!

If i like it i buy 2 yrd and i agree with Debbie it is very additive here, be prepared lol

I buy 3-5 then I have enough for a border and binding if I need it.