Depends on my mood and the reason for tying. For patterns I use a lot a minimum of a doz. At times a half doz. but mostly by the dozen. I like to keep a small inventory of some patterns. Every tier will be different, some strive for just a few perfect patterns. There's also experimental patterns that I usually tie fewer of, sometimes as tests on the water. Other times to just to figure out a pattern, these might get the blade three or four times before I'm satisfied. No rules, just have fun tying. For me tying is like a Zen, I can bury myself in the tie without thinking.