Sometimes it' just better to buy what you need. I have some fabric but then when I want to make something it will be a 1/2 yard short of what is needed. Do what feels comfortable to you. It is nice to have some fat quarters around for doing applique so you don't have to cut into yardage.

If I don't have any pattern in mind, I like to buy fat quarters, but like to buy good looking cream on cream, beige on beige for backgrounds in bigger sizes.

I don't know where you shop but Joanns carries mini bolts of basic colors like white, cream, red, navy, brown and black. Each one has three yards. I usually pick up as many as I have coupons for. They are great for backs, borders, plain blocks etc. At 40% off that comes to about $2.60 a yard. I make a lot of Linus quilts and they are usually 1 1/2 yds by the width of the fabric. Another way to get a lot of fabric for a great price is to purchase the wider backing fabrics 72" to 120" either on clearnace or with a coupon. I have a stash of that because I do handquilting for other people and it comes in handy for backs or it just gives me a lot of fabric because of the extra width. It comes in solid colors and even sutle prints.
Like most of the others have said, if you find something you really love buy as much as you can afford you will probably never be able to find it again six months later.

If doing small projects, watch for sales on FQ's. For me if I like a fabric, FQ to 1/2 yard--if used for borders -3 yards---on occasion if it is just so pretty I can't stand it I have purchased a whole bolt. (ok not that often but once or twice.) If a good sale price up to 3 yards.

:thumbup: I love this - yep, that's my story and I am sticking to it.... lol

I make alot of scrap quilts, so often buy FQs in colours I like and will one day maybe even use.

Fabric that I just love, I buy yardage: 1/2 to 1 yd if expensive
3-5, sometimes more if it's on sale at a really good markdown

I admire people who only buy what they need but technically they don't have a stash do they? I love fabric and can't resist buying it. I only buy now when I find fabrics I really love on clearance and I always have in mind what to make of it but that doesn't mean it happens. I just bought fabric last week and I bought 5 yds of 3 different pieces along with some 1 yard pieces. My stash just happened because I love buying fabric. I do buy for special projects and that is when I have to pay full price. I tell DH I have to buy on sale to save money LOL

I say if you live near a cloth shop buy what you know you'll use but if thats not the case, I would go with half yds and more.

My stash has evolved from buying fabric I thought I would use on a project and then changing my mind.I find 1/2 yards are a minimum for me or other wise I keep going back for more.

i like fat quarters but i usually go with yards. at least one yard and sometimes if i really like the material i go 2