Decide on a pattern, then shop for fabric. You all are lucky, I have to go too far for a quilt shop.

When I first started quilting I bought yardage... anything that caught my eye; that was in 97' I'm still using some of those fabrics to this day... Then as time went on my style evolved and it ends up I perfer to do scrappy quilts. Mostly I buy fat qtrs, scrap bags, and half yard cuts now; unless it's muslin or something I LOVE, and background prints.

I've been sewing for over 50 years and quilting for about 25. I still pick a pattern first and then buy extra so I'll have some for any mistakes or projects. I'm working on a king size quilt right now that I bought extra for and was able to make matching pillow cases. I still have more for the stash.
Even after all these years, my stash is not as big as some I see on this site. It's big enough for a scrappy quilt or baby quilt (in any color) but I still buy for what I'm making and only rarely purchase something on the hopes that I'll use it someday...... I've found the amount I got years ago isn't enough or something else that prohibits me using it. Anyhing that has set around for many years may never get used because what looks good to you today will look "old" later on.... and your interests might change as well.
Long story, but short moral.... Just get quilting... things will fall in line.... and you'll have so much fun in the process.

I would pick a pattern first, then you will know how much for each thing, like borders, ect.

I'd go for yardage, but as a confirmed "fabriholic" I always do yards. I use charm packs for smaller projects and have used them for runners. Starting out I used yards and followed the pattern all the way.

When I first started quilting, I picked a pattern and then shopped for enough fabric (by the yard) to make that pattern. You might even start with a kit. After you have made a few quilts like that, you will have a stash to pull from and add to. Enjoy the journey!

Thanks everyone, I think I will find a pattern first then go from there. I think I should start with something small though, not to sure about a larger project yet.

welcome to the quilting world....look at the pattern and see what they suggest...there are some pattern geared toward fat quarter, or jelly rolls, or yardage of fabric...let that be your guide......but if you starting and want to start a stash, buy yardage, then you will have extra for the next time, maybe for that scrappy quilt you will make in the future.....gina

When you buy pre-cuts, you get a lot of variety that blends well; you don't have to cut them yourself; and it's a time-saver. It just depends on how you want to spend your money and your time.

all of the above, it's addicting the old saying goes "whoever dies with the most fabric wins" and I'm in the ruuning