I usually don't get all the fabric at once. I always like to use out of my stash as much as possible. Sometimes I pick one piece of fabric for a main fabric and then see what I have to go with it. If I don't have all I need then I shop some more. And most of the time I like to get the quilt made and then see what I need for borders. Backing fabric...I really try to find something that is on sale!