As much as you can afford! :D I have found that if I walk out of the store without buying it, I could kick myself later! :roll:

I try to get 2 to 3 yards. never know if will be there when you get back.

Hmm--I'm curious--if you buy 3 yards for borders--don't you want some of it in the actual quilt? Or is 3 yards covering an accent fabric and borders?

I usually buy a yard or two.
But, if it's a fabric that I think will sell out quick, I'll buy 5 or 6 yards or maybe even the bolt.

3 yards will usually give enough for in the quilt. I may cut my borders first (lengthwise) and then I have what is left for use in the quilt.

Children fabic- 3 yards will give me borders and backing for a crib size.

NONE!

NOW I have a rule that if I don't have an idea in mind for the fabric and know approximatly how much I will need I just don't buy it. No matter how bad I think I NEED it just because I "love" it so very much.
Those(for me) are normally the fabrics that lay around in a "stash" that doesn't get used up.

At least 3 yards. In our Quilt Guild we freqently trade fabric with one another. We all shop at the same stores (we go on road trips to fabric shops). The same fabric appears in almost all of our quilts. The only difference is usually in our taste of patterns/colors and how we use it, so if trading an 1/8 of a yard will give someone else's quilt just a little punch on a block or two, we happily accommodate. We are all very generous about sharing fabric, patterns, thread, templates, and time. But that is what makes the group so enjoyable. Actually it is a lot like this group. Everyone is so generous about sharing their knowledge and information. I always look forward to receiving a notice from this group. I would like to thank all of you for making this a fun place to be.

I buy 3 yards if I REALLY love it; 2 yards if I like it a lot!

I usually buy 2 to 3 yards depending on the price of the fabric. But if it is one of those fabrics that is so beautiful and so unusual I will buy 4 no matter what the price, even if I have no current use for it.
Quilters really are lovers of beauty with a touch of crazy!

Thanks for your help ladies great advice! Does anyone know how much is on a bolt of fabric?