I buy between 3 to 4 yards as I can always find a pattern to use that in

Never less than a yard...and I don't like pre-cuts or kits.

I remember Alex Anderson saying on her "Simply Quilts" show yrs. ago that she never buys less than 3 yds. of a fabric that has no plan.

If I find a fabric I can't live without I usually buy 4 yards (or more depending on quilt size I plan to make)to make sure I have enough border/binding fabric and also incorporate the border fabric into the quilt. Once I have a pattern, then buy the other coordinating fabrics for the quilt. I always buy more than what a pattern calls for because we all make cutting mistakes(lesson learned) and you can always make a string or scrappy quilt from left over fabrics. Better to have too much than not enough.

I am a scrappy gal, and a fabricholic, so I buy, buy, buy. I started out buying 1 yd pieces - one time I had a quilt shop cut 30 1/8th of a yard - I thought I was being silly, so I went to 1 yd. Then I started on the sausage pillowcases and that takes 1 1/2 yds so I get 1/2 yd for me if I buy 2 yds. If I love it 3 yds, a terrific buy, the bolt. I buy lots of neutrals and cut them in 1 1/2, 2, & 2 1/2" strips, ala Bonnie Hunter. These strip bins have been wonderful for me. I get in the mood and I pull over a certain size and start sewing.

Welcome from N. Texas. Think about how loudly the fabric calling. Some calls me that isn't going to be used because I just like to look at it! I should have bought 18 inches instead of three yards...froggyintexas

Welcome from the Bay Area of California. I'm with most of the rest of the folks here - about 3-4 yards if I love it.

I usually make lap quilts, and my husband and son are both over 6 feet tall. So any 4 yard pieces could be used for backing on a quilt. Because of budget, I am TRYING to not buy material except at sales. I have found old clothing and even old sheets can be good sources of material. THERE ARE NO QUILT POLICE HERE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!

I would ask yourself what your main focus will be on quilting.

For myself, I do scrappy community quilts. These don't need large pieces of material. If you are into heirloom quality quilts, then you want larger pieces so you can make that quilt sing in the same colors throughout.

Talk to people. You will find sources of material from relatives, neighbors, church members and others once you speak up about your craft. Believe us, you will have a stash in NO TIME! Good luck and let us know how you do.

Alwaqys buy 3 yards and if you can 5 for you never know what you might want to make some day with it. I always say you cant go wrong with 3 yards of a good piece of fabric

i love your avatar pattern what is it called.. so bright

I'm an MT too. I buy too much fabric.

I try to buy 8 to 10 yrds so i always have some left for my stash

I think for me, it is weather or not it would be a theme for a quilt or just an accent in it...
so, theme ... I would buy at least 2 yds and accent 1/2.. I am on a budget and do quilting on my machine..

If I find a good, good sale (like, at Hobby Lobby, sometimes they will have fabric for $2.00 a yard that started out at 6-7 or more per yard..........if I like it, I usually get whatever is left on the bolt.........the larger amounts are really good to have for the quilt backing...........
Recently, at Wally World, I found some for $1.50 a yard, that had been 6.00 a yard..........and some of it was cute, kid type prints (I do a lOT for Project LINUS)..........so I got all that was left on those bolts..........if I like it, I like it and get all I can..........if i dont really like it, I leave it in the store.
Fortunately, I dont get into the stores to shop very often, so my budget can stand a jolt every once in awhile. I think you need to figure out about how much you can spend each month, then look for bargains that you really like.......and go get some!

I'm green with envy with all the sale prices you guys speak about! Fabric here is so expensive - an average of $17 a metre (39"). Batiks are even more expensive at around $20. My local quilt shop often has a sale, but usually only a third off.
I try to buy as much as I can from eBay US and other suppliers who will ship internationally -enough to fill a priority mail envelope, although I sometimes get hit with Customs import duty - grrrr!
You've probably already guessed I don't have a large stash......

I buy 8 yards if its calling me to take it home, i rather be safe than sorry, my obsession goes back 30-35 years

Unless it is a remnant that calls my name, I will rarely get less than a yard. If I don't have to pinch pennies that trip I'll get at least 3 yards of ones that I really like or that are blenders.
If it's a really good sale and I KNOW I will use it (like soft, thick solid fleece for $3/yd), then for sure I'll get the whole bolt.
I'm learning that I really need to get more of the blenders as they get used in so many different projects. And lately it seems like I get to the second or third one and lo and behold I need more than I have on hand, I'm already over budget, (as always) it's 20+ miles in any direction to a fabric store, I'm low in gas and it's Sunday afternoon...

I was on a shop hop last weekend and saw a nice blue/black flannel that I thought would be perfect to back a guy's quilt. I have 3 guys in my life that I might be making quilts for so I bought what was left on the bolt - 14 yards at $2.98/yd was a great deal.

I was wondering the same thing. Our local Walmart enlarged and rearranged their fabric dept. Hoorah! But it is going to bankrupt me if I don't control myself. LOL Some isn't such good quality but some is really nice. I'm so happy they did that. It is the only source other than online for me in this rural area and at that it is 45 miles one way.

Well, I buy way too much! But I love scrap quilts and machine applique so when I see something I really like an d want to buy on spec I usually only buy one yard. Keep in mind I piece bindings, borders, sashings, backings, almost everything, so I don't need a big amount of fabric.

Me, too. That way I have enough for a large border if I want it for that.

You needn't worry about being cured of your quilting illness any time soon. I started quilting back in the 80's & am still going strong... no cure in sight... LOL! In fact, I think the desire to acquire fabric gets worse!

Even if there is ever a cure for it, doesn't mean you need to get vaccinated. I KNOW that I will definitely not get the treatmen. hehe

Minimum of 2 yards. If I have a specific amount needed for a project I always get an extra yard to allow for shrinkage (I almost always prewash), to allow for squaring up, and to allow for any cutting mistakes I might make. Also I prefer to use the lengthwise grain so I try to figure for the least number of seams in borders and purchase with that in mind.

I buy a half yard for variety, a whole yard if I really like it or it is a light batik as they are harder to find, and more (maybe a lot) if the price is right. I buy a lot online and just got 9 yards of a large Marcus Brothers floral print for $9 total- going to give the kaleidescope quilt a try. I love scrap quilts and have just cut up skimpily (not sure if that is a real word) cut FQs I got at a quilters' craigslist sale into squares to piece a backing- Bonnie Hunter style. Don't rule out Craigslist postings or garage sales to stay within your budget.

For a larger quilt, I would buy 4 yards and make sure you have enough material for the border first and always put some of the same in your blocks.

I usually buy no less than 3 yards when I find something is 'calling my name'.