I don't know the exact answer to your question, but I know someone that purchased fabric by the pound for quilting. She was trying to save money and she received oddly shaped pieces of fabric left over from cutting nursing scrubs. She made a large quilt out of it, but it was extremely heavy and not very attractive. I like to see and feel my fabric. I would watch for sales and I would try to buy only what I need. Your stash will grow quickly on its own.