How much fabric do I buy? The Universal Question!

I will help you answer this question for yourself - with great questions to consider that can help you know what would be best for you. Then, I will take you to the quilt shop with me and share how I have ANSWERED this question for myself. I know EXACTLY how much fabric I should buy for my sewing style. And hopefully you will be able to consider the questions presented, so that you can have a better answer for yourself.
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Thanks to clerk Lucy!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Do you have personal rules to share about how you buy fabric? We would love to hear!

[@stlmama7643]

This is simple advice but very helpful. I’m a new quilter with a new stash. I’ve already learned a few things about myself. For example, I started out buying precuts with “ideas” for quilts. Soon I had enough for three years worth of projects! I realize that I have a number of other hobbies, and quilting isn’t going to get all of my time. I’m focused on charity and gift quilts, so that now influences what I buy. And I recently realized that building a stash with sale fabrics, as you point out, is the way to go. Your suggestions here will help me refine my buying habits further. Thanks!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Love your comment so much!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Remnants and clearance are the first stop!

[@fernemcallister6774]

What a question! You buy as much as you can!

[@kimmcalister3594]

Absolutely!

[@vickieinman6621]

I have finally realized that I am not a fat quarter, layer cake, charm pack, or jelly roll kind of person. When i have used up what i have, these items will be purchased on a "need only a smidgen" basis. I LOVE yardage and do most of my quilting using it even if i only need a small amount. We are pretty much alike with how much to purchase view. Thanks for the fun video!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for the FUN comment!!

[@jilbertb]

Once you figure out the amount per yard the pre-cuts cost, you will stop buying it. $43 for 2.5/yds for fat quarters is astounding and that's the SALE price! Full price is closer to $60! And it only costs $.25/yd to produce. Shipping from Asia and distribution thru the U.S. cost the most. You should hear what Europeans pay, it's outrageous. $23-25/yd....

[@DH-qz2so]

Stash Anxiety - it's real!... I have anxiety if I DON'T have enough fabric stashed in my sewing room! Especially learned this with the start of.... 2020! ... I need to know I have supplies, fabric, thread, batting, backing, project patterns... all at the ready.... ya' never know! I also try and find fabric on sale, as here in Canada, it is $20 a meter!...I also Thrift cotton fabrics as well for my Charity Quilt tops.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That year taught us all so much!!

[@MBird-ld6uv]

It's interesting how different people buy fabric. I think it really is about what works for your personality though, that makes a lot of sense. I like your point of thinking about what kind of projects you like to make too. Good thoughts!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your comment! I appreciate you.

[@BleachSmiles]

I love that you point out sale fabric. I always feel bad when I see quilts made with expensive and name-brand fabrics while I use the "cheapy" fabrics for my first few quilts. (I've only made 3 quilt tops for family, and they've averaged about $15-$25 a quilt top.) I'm also working on my stash, and this REALLY helped me figure out a direction I wanna head with my stash. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have so much fun building your stash!

[@lauraeves3914]

It was very satisfying watching you buy fabric!

[@merrymabelmarket]

YAY!! Because it was VERY satisfying buying it too!!

[@autumneidson]

Love this!! I am a multi-crafter from quilting, to sewing, to crocheting, embroidery etc. I love all things fabric but I dont buy anything that isn't on sale unless I have an absolute need for it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@katehenry2718]

I love garage sales and estate sales for fabric ))))) Favorite request: How much for the lot? and have it all. I'm a scrap quilter with random smooshes of cloth in bins by color. No folding, no cutting to sizes or blocks. Wait to cut till picking the colors for the quilt I'm working on. Print-outs pinned to the wall. Next favorite changes daily. ))

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes!! I've done this also. So fun to get quality fabric you wouldn't necessarily buy or choose yourself. It's expanded my "fabric choices" as I've worked out of my comfort zone to use some of this fabric. Brilliantly delightful!

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. I sure did need this video a few years ago. I got happy learn to sew excitement. Purchased expensive machines and don't even want to talk about a garage full of fabric bins. I am overwhelmed with it. I have gotten rid of 11 big bags and still have too much. Thank you, very helpful video. Have a nice day everyone.

[@merrymabelmarket]

It is so helpful when you get to know yourself and your quilting habits!

[@marionbartley214]

Great advise on buying fabric. Thank You.

[@KW3908]

Great food for thought. I will be creating some personal fabric shopping "rules". It's sooooo easy to get carried away. Thanks!

[@merrymabelmarket]

You can do it!

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

There are so many variables to this question. I have little storage space so I have learned to buy fabric only for a specific purpose. I only have time to make about 3 quilts a year and I’m getting older so it doesn’t make sense to buy a ton of fabric. One thing I’ve learned is to have an idea of what future quilts I might want to make and what fabrics I’ll need for them so I don’t just buy fabric without a plan for it. I did that 12 years ago when I was first starting out as a quilter because I thought I had to build my stash, but it’s still sitting here. My plan is to try to use up what I have before I buy more. Wish me luck!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I totally wish you luck!!

[@terryanderson6153]

I love this! Most of it I have learned the hard way😅. Should have had your advice 30 years ago. You are so smart!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for watching!

[@2kah286]

Thank you for validating us fabric lovers! Your videos are always fun, informative and inspiring!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sweet comment!

[@dalairem]

I am also a knitter with stash--a practical storefront of laceweight, as that's my preferred concentration (namely, Estonian Lace). I get what I believe will make a beautiful project in the size I like, and I stick to one or two companies I trust, because I understand their dyelots and know they are clean and ethical. With fabric, my rule is similar: I stick to brands I trust and, wait for a deal and generally plan for each sale acquisition to match a project, but leave enough wiggle room for a change of mind. Basics on sale (like at FQS right now), I'll usually make myself a half yard bundle of colors that will match what I like or what I have in precuts/scraps/existing yardage, and more of any potential background colors, usually 3-6 yards. I'm totally okay with missing a collection or certain selection from it. Similar will come around again. But if I do find one I've coveted on bargain, I have no shame in getting what I feel I'll need. If I don't use it on a top, I'll easily blow through it as a portioned/pieced backing. I'll gladly grab the bolt for the right price and desire, especially low volume or white-on-white, as I most enjoy making quilts with whitespace, as well as wholecloth work. ETA: Thank you for yet another terrific and interesting video! It's always nice to see and learn from your processes!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for sharing your stash style with us!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I work at JoAnns and one time an older woman said she donated 75 pound of fabric to Bundles of Love, an organization that puts together newborn kits to those in need. She said "My name is Joanne and I have a fabric store in my basement"

[@imariser1111]

I love seeing all your quilts!

[@margaretbaker623]

Hi! Thanks for this video. Lots of mistakes and money later, I finally reached the point where I know what I like to make and actually do make! Great advice for beginners. ⚘️

[@villagesteader3552]

Great video. My rule is never ever buy a subscription, BOM, any thing that requires a monthly commitment to something! EVER! I will pay full price only if it is for a specific person and they love color that I don’t really use much. Perfect example, my grandniece loves purple and pink, well, I don’t really use much of either so I sucked it up and paid full price. Fortunately some of the fabrics, think wide backing fabric from last seasons Tula Pink was half price as were some of the other smaller cuts. My motto is save wherever you can but follow the rules. You are a wise woman!♥️👍😎

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for sharing your rules!

[@charliegirl42ify]

I have found material that was absolutely adorable, and didn't see anything like it in that store. The bolt was quite full and i wanted it! So! I just said i want it ALL, please!❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

So cool!

[@lindarambone5305]

You have given me the freedom to buy more than 1/2 yd. I mostly buy on sale and always pay cash. I have many pieces I wish I had bought more than 1/2 yd. I do buy all of a collection if it is on sale but just the fabrics I love. I want to make your wonky triangles and star quilt. I don't have a lot of scraps yet. For some reason I've been hesitant to use my stash. Now I can't wait to pull fabric and get started. After I finish a baby quilt for my daughter, a lap quilt for hubby, and a scrappy ender/leader quilt. Nah, I'm giving myself permission to start pulling for your wonky triangle. Thank you for all of your wonderful information and quilting. I love your style and personality. I look for your videos every day.

[@merrymabelmarket]

The wonky triangle quilt is such a beauty!! Yes - make it!

[@lindarambone5305]

@@merrymabelmarket I'm pulling my fabric now. And reorganizing my fabric by color. I realize that I'm too married to using fabric of the same collection. That really limits me. Again, thanks for all you do! 🥰

[@pauladimattei6434]

This is such a great video. Great advice!❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks so much!

[@ruthandrus9041]

Thank you cousin-great advice for my quilt stash.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I LOVE seeing you here. Thanks for your sweet comment!

[@elizabethbordman6964]

Thank you so much for this advice! I'm a beginning quilter and have been struggling with this questions. There are SO MANY beautiful fabrics, and I want them all lol. But this really gave me some places to check before buying. Thanks :)

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad!

[@letscleanhouse]

I’m a newish quilter but I can tell already that I like to buy curate my own fabrics. I’m not really into making someone else’s quilt even though I see some lovely projects out there. I buy at least one yard of each fabric and more if I really love it. I don’t buy expensive fabric and I try to think outside of the box for things like backings. I love your projects ❤️

[@merrymabelmarket]

I love "newish" quilters. It's all so exciting!

[@stitchann]

Great answers.

[@ladylocust1118]

This is great advice. I would only add that our ambitions might change over time so keep in mind how many years worth of projects (fabric) we have so we don’t feel stuck in the future 😍

[@merrymabelmarket]

Absolutely!

[@debraimmer260]

Thank you, I love this video

[@auntdello5286]

Thanks for all this useful info. After watching this, I am thrilled to know that I am on track with my own stash building journey. I was wondering what you were going to use that rust toned batik. It looks great binding on your quilt! Its funny to me that orange is also what I usually am short on.

[@angielovett4159]

Great helpful video! Thank you

[@barbaragrant9635]

Awesome information! Thank you so much.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You bet!

[@nancysharon931]

This video is the best I've seen in a long time. ❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are kind!

[@coreygilles847]

❤ this is fabulous advice!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you think so!

[@beckypetersen2680]

This is, THE best video or discussion I've ever heard on the subject. I think your questions that you have people consider is the best way to answer the question. Plus, you are one of the few who actually talk about it who don't shame people for having a stash. I grow weary when people do that. No one does it to painters or woodworkers or chefs who have pantries or garages full of supplies because I go through hundreds, and I mean, hundreds of yards a year (maybe over a thousand? ) because I also do a lot of charity quilts (120 is my goal every year - to finish) plus about 50 of my own- usually queen size.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Good for you!! We sound like we work in a similar way. Yes - a beautiful stash is a must for me!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I think the judgment comes from not using it. Some collect it but don't end up using it, but you guys do

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Great advice

[@moonmare]

Great advice on fabric mindset. I'm a beginner and judging fabric needs is a challenge. On the other hand, I seem to be leaning toward scrappy and artistic rather than pattern-based, so I can mix and match as I please.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You can do it! It will be fun to watch yourself and your style evolve!

[@luvmykids21000]

Thanks, D. As always, another great educational video! BTW, we're still waiting for Spring here in Idaho. It's typical Idaho weather.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Good thing you look good in sweaters!

[@estelasteele1173]

Currently, Im also in maintenance mode. I dont worry about sale or not, just on whether I can use the fabric. I buy one yard on most fabrics, but if I think it'll work as a back I buy 3 to 5 yards. Also, I love white on white fabrics for backgrounds, so I'll buy 4.5 yards.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for sharing your process.

[@TheRozylass]

We think a lot alike. "End of the bolt, please" is one of my favorites too! Great advice and decision making criteria. That white with black line flowers is something I'd love to have in my stash, gonna look for some like that!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Low Volume Gorgeousness!

[@patriciadavidson3328]

Very helpful!❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad!

[@amylynn1345]

Thank you for sharing your process! I have tended towards like more scrappy quilts…..not to be confused with scrap quilts 😂 in other words I like the look of controlled scrappy! So when my favorite designers come out with their fabric lines I will buy the ones I like in a half yard the exception is borders, binding, and backing ❤ then it ranges from 1.5-5 yards if I absolutely love it. And as for low volume…..I know I love using them a lot so I will by anywhere from 1-3ish yards🥰

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds brilliant!

[@dafairygirl86]

I love your videos. They are so helpful. Because of you I have started implementing my own rules. I only buy sale fabric too, unless it's something specific I need for my current project. And I only buy it now, if I am sure I will use it. If I love it, but don't have a specific project in mind for it, I'll get 2 yards. Unless the price is amazing, then I'll buy more.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds like you have figured out your perfect rules!

[@patfuller5265]

Good advice. Enjoy the video

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joanwood9480]

The gold/brown patterned fabric looks very much like fabric I brought and made a dress out of. I really do love that material.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That sounds fun!

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

Best idea is to keep it where you can see it. I have bought, and bought, and bought. Used to buy whole bolts. Now a yard or two will do. Thanks.

[@suemerritt1679]

Great advice! Just found your channel. Subscribed!🥰

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for subbing! So glad to have you!

[@teresacoffman5529]

I haven’t even begun the video and I know the answer! ALL OF IT! 😂😂😂 Now if only I had the budget to do so.😢

[@merrymabelmarket]

tee hee...

[@pst47wings]

I do appreciate your videos. So very helpful!!! My LQS rarely has sales, but I check them out each time I'm there! I didn't have a lot of storage space, so I have to be careful.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Judith-wq2jp]

Or, you could build a quilt studio in the back yard, like I did. ha

[@pst47wings]

Love that idea, but that’s a pipe dream 😂😂😂

[@marshawallace7522]

This video made me take a hard look at my fabric purchasing practices. THANK YOU. I actually am trying to gather more low volume fabric to use as backgrounds. I find that I have been buying all the pretty fabrics but now I need lv to be able to use those! I don't know where you find the beautiful fabric you did for less than $7 a yard but I would LOVE to find some too❣️

[@merrymabelmarket]

I also ADORE low volume backgrounds!!

[@danielpearl923]

I wish I could give more than one thumb up.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you!

[@tiffanycollier54]

Wow! Stating that your fabric buying evolves is SO relatable!! Mine is still evolving!! Love this video, great advice! Although, fabric on sale that inexpensive? That's going to take some research for me! LOL!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

At least this kind of research is the FUN kind!

[@tiffanycollier54]

I started out buying fabric to complete a quilt top, curated my own in the store. Which I am pretty good at, now, I have decided that I would like to do more scrappy type quilts. But, the phrase "I'll take the rest of the bolt" is what I use especially if I really love the fabric! But generally, I will buy a yard or so. Love your patterns, techniques and videos!!

[@infopubs]

I live full time aboard my boat, and it isn't easy to get to fabric stores. So I buy almost exclusively on eBay. There are thousands and thousands of listings, so I limit myself to fabric that I can purchase for less than $3/yard, including delivery. This ends up usually being estate sale clear outs, or what I call "dead lady fabric." The sellers (often frazzled heirs) are usually thrilled to find out I sew for charities. Then they feel that Grandma/Mom/Auntie's fabric is getting a good home! Over the years and after making a lot of mistakes, I've developed a skilled eye for finding quality fabrics this way. There's a lot of ugly fabric out there, but I don't end up with much of it anymore! 😂

[@merrymabelmarket]

What a great way to buy fabric. Thank you for sharing!!

[@laylayoung3716]

That tiger border with the yellow and brown batik binding is inspired!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I too loved it there!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@nan7503]

If you are in the business of making andselling quilts, then what you have is great. I'm a scrappy quilter withvery limited budget. Over time, I now have enough to make a few of your suggested quilts. It's the backing and base for the front that will cost me. Fabric in Canada is now running about 14.-18.00 Canadian. It's not easy.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kayraper295]

It's really about your mind set. My mind set is I have more than I can really use in my lifetime, then I see that fabric I just can't resist. I am not the person to answer this question correctly.

[@lnldjimmieclouff1773]

I am medium size quilter ! I bought men shirts in thrift shop one Time a year. When i made the quilts, for the back and the bindings or i buy in a fabric shop or in a second hand website (i am in Europe so it calls vinted) sheets or pillows cases, depends if the size.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@melissasamaan7334]

That is one of my favorite shops! I travel to that area a few times a year and always stop by that sale room. But I'm also at a point where I try really hard not to buy anything without a project. I also encourage newer quilters to NOT build a stash and buy project by project. See something you can't live without? Find a pattern, and get enough coordinating yardage for the entire quilt top and binding, then store everything together in one spot where it's visible. I have so many 1-2 yard cuts of fabrics that were just too beautiful to pass up 10 or 15 years ago, but now it's hard to find fabrics that coordinate as color/style trends have moved on and of course when I find a pattern that would be just perfect for that one fabric, I'm half a yard short. There will always be new and beautiful fabrics waiting for you when you have the time and budget for a new project.

[@merrymabelmarket]

It is a comforting thought that there is more beautiful fabric lines that will be in quilt shops for sale soon!

[@mel_r]

You showed off your charity quilts towards the end. What is your go to size for those? I'm one of those ppl who's stash causes them discomfort. I didn't understand how little of fabric is actually needed when I first started quilting a lil over a year ago. I bought way too much before I realized what I enjoyed making and how color, volume, etc worked together. I decided to do a no spend year, working through a good chuck of what I have. My goal is then to only buy what I need for particular projects.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm not sure where you live. I make charity quilts for particular organizations. Every organization usually puts out a "size" preference. If you call a local guild or google who needs charity quilts near you, you may be able to get a specific answer to "needed size" from whomever you will donate to. There are so many places needing quilts. Here are some of my favorites so you have a starting place to look wherever you are locally: 1) Foster Care 2) Sleep in Heavenly Peace (there are chapters springing up everywhere) 3) Wrap a Smile 4) Children's Hospitals 5) Project Linus 6) Veterans Maybe other folks will chime in with their favorites.

[@elleelle4176]

Great video! This could be me :-)

[@merrymabelmarket]

This could SO EASILY be you!!

[@jessicamalley6201]

All I can, oh you mean for a specific purpose. Stashed here.

[@KM-fe7xe]

Nice video. Really. I just thought, based on the title, that you would also cover, How much should I buy…for a twin-king size quilt. How many layer cakes to make a queen, etc.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That sounds like a good idea!

[@peggymacmichael9788]

Not in Canada ! Our fabric sales start at 10.99 a meter and up. Regular is from 14.99 to in the 20’s

[@merrymabelmarket]

I've heard that it is much more difficult in some of the other countries!

[@passthedonuts]

i want to shop with you

[@maureenjobb8882]

What quilt shop were you shopping in?

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's a darling one in a little town. I always walk into new quilt shops and say, "Do you have a sale fabric section?" It's amazing the "corners" or "rooms" they will direct you to. There are often sales that you miss if you do not ask.

[@jeriessig3433]

Wow, where are you finding $4/yard fabric?

[@merrymabelmarket]

I just walk into quilt shops and always ask, "Do you have a Sale section?" Sometimes they are in "back rooms" that you wouldn't find if you don't ask.

[@Whatsnormal637]

5:14 🤺💐

[@carrieellis395]

I wish I could find $5 yard fabric.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have found it in three different states.... recently. When you travel - just pop into quilt shops and ask if they have a sale section. Best wishes on your hunt!

[@antoinetter6458]

Quilt fabric is very expensive in Europe. 18 to 24 euros is normal. Even when they are on sale, they still are maybe 12 to 16 euros. I would kill for quiltfabric that would cost 4 to 8 euros. And buying it outside the EEG is not economical, because of taxes and shipping.

[@merrymabelmarket]

SO frustrating for you. I've heard this before. I wish you well on finding some kind of "deals".

[@beckypetersen2680]

Yes, absolutely the best way for a European to get fabric is a trip to the states with a friend. Suitcases hold quite bit if you go minimal on clothing!

[@jilbertb]

When I can get batiks for $6.79/yd, I buy it. If it's a pale print I buy 3 yds, otherwise just a yard, yard and a half. I will also buy wide back when it's $11/yd, but no more. Gotta know the JA coupon game... But IF I ever go to a quilt shop, 99% of the time, I buy nothing. I can't buy designer fabric for $17/yd. I just can't do it, even IF I have the money to do so. Even on line when you figure the cost of FQ's or even strips are MORE than $17/yd! I cannot buy it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So good to know what you can handle.

[@tearose3763]

Do youbuyjoann fabric

[@merrymabelmarket]

No, but I've purchased batting from there.

[@tearose3763]

@@merrymabelmarket ty, ive been buying quilt store quality fabric for years and with todays prices was thinking of buying there, thats where i get my batting sometimes and other notions too.

[@FleurdeLinda.Stitches]

Good video! I have stash anxiety because of ALL the fabric that came in once I joined a guild. IYKYK. Previously, I would buy a line if I loved the artist. Now, I have put myself on a stash diet and only purchase if I need something for the project. I do still go to fabric shops 😂 mostly to pet the new fabric lines. BTW, where and what is the name of the store you were in? For research! 😉

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's a darling one in a little town. I always walk into new quilt shops and say, "Do you have a sale fabric section?" It's amazing the "corners" or "rooms" they will direct you to. There are often sales that you miss if you do not ask. I love doing research!!