CloverPatch

Depends on what i need it for. I have 6 yards right now, that I want to use for backing, and need it for blocks for the top. Rather than mess with the whole 6 yards cutting 3.5" strips I cut off a yard, made my strips. Otherwise I don't do it. I cut as needed.

pieces

I seldom buy more than 1 yard pieces. But when I do I don't cut them up because I may need this length for borders
or backings for crib/lap quilts.

Johanna Fritz

Ditto. I don't cut and tear it until I know the total of all my strip lengths.

CBAKER

When I purchase fabric, I fold it lenght wise and hang on a hanger. Then when I need to cut I have a hook for my hanger and cut what I need, then hang in back in the closet. So I guess I cut what I need when I need it... Sometimes I get long winded.

Scakes

I don't usually cut mine. Always afraid I might need the big piece for something. :lol:

catmcclure

I don't cut down a 2 or 3 yard piece. However, if I'm buying backing that I'm going to have to piece, I will ask them to cut that into smaller pieces at the shop. I mean, if I'm making a 100 x 100 quilt I'll need two 3-yard pieces and one piece 1-1/2 yards. If I get the shop to cut it that way, then I only have to cut the 1-1/2 yard piece in half at home and everything's ready to sew for the backing.

My time

Ditto for me I wash and keep it in one piece.

serenitybygrace

I don't cut until I know exactly what I need. I am too new a quilter to risk not having enough fabric for a project. I use sewing weights to help hold the fabric on my cutting mat. They seem to help a lot.

grammysharon

I leave it in one piece. You never know how you are going to use that piece so you don't want to fall short on length. :lol:

butterflywing

i cut all my borders and sashes lengthwise to avoid stretching, so i never cut until i know what length i need.