Ok here is a question. If your in a fabric shop you fall in love with a piece of material but you have no plans for it. "How much should you buy?"

I use to buy one yard but now I buy at least 3 yards. I want enough for borders if I decide to use it for borders.

I still buy one yard or metre, but what BellaBoo says makes sense as there nothing in my stash that I can use for borders on a full size quilt. I have to go out and buy that at the time

I too buy atleast 3, if it's something I just have to have.

As much as you can afford, without putting yourself in serious debt. :-D

Nice lol love the answers.

Depends on if I want steak or hot dogs for dinner all week lol
Hugs
April

Never less than a yard, but if I think it would be a really beautiful border than 2-3 yards.

umm well I only buy half a yard...since most of the fabric around here is atleast $9.00 a yard. I figure I can always go back and get more..but if the fabric is reasonable and you can afford it, I would go for atleast a yard or two.

I usually buy 1 yard, but could be convinced that I need more. haha

My sentiments are pretty much as everyone elses. It depends on the love depth of the material. If I'm infatuated with it 1 yard, deep feelings 2-3, down right absolutely can't live without 3&up. Have large stash!! :oops:

I try and get atleast 2 yards..3 or more if I can swing it :D:D:D

If I find a fabric I just can't live without I don't buy any. I run home and find a pattern in one of my books, figure out how much I need and then go back and buy it.

I have been burned too many times getting a fabric thinking I can get more then it being gone when I go back. I usually get as much as the pocketbook with allow especially if I really love it. I figure I will end up using it at some point in time. Saves time and $$ in the end.
Wendy B

That was my thought too because I bought this piece of fabric loved it bought a yard. 3 months later wanted to start a perfect quilt for it and realized I didn't have enough I was short 1/2 yard went back to the store and it was discontinued. It was a Moda fabric. I was heart broken.

:thumbup:
This is usually what I do too lol
Hugs
April

I'll buy 3 metres (Canadian eh). If I see a really sweet deal and I can use it for a backing usually 8 metres.

I decide if it seems like a border or accent fabric and but accordingly. Border fabric is at least 3 yards and accent is a yard. Works most of the time.

Cindy

If I like it......a couple yards and if I love it......as much as I can afford. At least three yards.

ditto :thumbup: :thumbup:

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?

We recently had a quilter in our group pass away. At her husband's request we took quilts that were unfinished to finish them. We had a very difficult time trying to match the fabrics because she did shop in several quilting stores. We found out that she would only buy a half to a yard at a time. My personal preference is to purchase 2 at a time. I usually only make lap and throws. But if I thinking of anything larger I go 3 or 4. Hope this helps.

I buy2 yards. Anytime I am "just looking" I buy a yard. Hancocks Fabrics Always have sales Thur. thru Sun.Usually 30% off, but sometimes %50%

I just bought a bolt at JoAnn's for backing a queen sized quilt and there was 8 yards on the bolt. Soooo - I had to buy an additional 3 yards off another bolt (I need 3 3-yard cuts). Bought the bolt because I had a 50% off coupon for 1 continuous cut plus I had my 10% ASG VIP card. Couldn't NOT buy the whole bolt. I can always use the extra 2 yards - it was a white-on-white.

Same here. One time of running all over (including the net) to find a fabric for a quilt I had already started was enough for me. If it one I absolutly love, I will buy 3 yards. If it is close to the end of the bolt, I will buy the whole thing. Can't leave one little piece there to be lonely :oops:

I think it might depend on the manufacturer. Some are 12, some are 15, and some might be more.

me too. i make oversized queens and i want 9 yds for the back - 3 lengths of 3 yards for approximately 96" square quilts (you need extra on the sides for the frame). if i plan to match border, i add in the width i'll need. sooo, if i looove it, i get 9 yards, in case i use it for a backing. i can always use it in the front of something else. just did that yesterday.

I also heard that 3 yards is what you need.

just guessing 15 yards?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

the 2 lqs i use will give you either 10% or 20% off if you finish the bolt. so if its close to the end i always finish it off. especially if it is a neutral i can use anywhere.