when you buy fabric, do you expect any extra length?
#111
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 174
Occasionally at chain fabric stores I get a little extra if when they are cutting they notice it is really off. Either that or they try to square it up some first. I think I've seen the same at my LQS. I can't recall about the times I've ordered online from small quilt shops, I never really thought about it. I'll be sure next time to check out of curiousity!
#112
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,673
You are cutting into the retailers profit if you expect more than you pay for, which is not correct. The retailers have a difficult time these days with cheaper shops competing all the time. Let's face it we picked or it picked us, is an expensive hobby and to do it correctly we must pay our dues.
#113
After washing I have found the cut is off sometimes to short me. I always ask to have a smidgen larger to compensate for the possible problem. Any quilter or seamstress can understand that if they work at a store.
#114
I don't expect more than I am paying for but often get shorted and not happy about that. We have one local shop that always gives a little extra to make up for the wrongly cut pieces and of course I really them for doing this. What I do hate is when a clerk stretches the fabric to get the yard or whatever was asked for. The chain stores seem o be the worst for that.With the high prices we now pay for fabric I think it is no more than fair to pay the price for a useable yard and get it.
#115
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,093
The local LQS where I work, we always give at least an extra inch, because we know we're not perfect and neither is the fabric. I understand that at JoAnn's, they're corporate, and they have strict rules about how they cut the fabric. So I always get a couple extra inches when I buy there.
#116
Both quilt shops near me cut it exactly to the measurement. That wouldn't bother me except fabric is so often on the bolt crooked that you always have to square it up and loose a bit. I just have come to realize you have to buy a bit extra to get what you need.
One of our shops always straightens the fabric and then cuts it exactly if it's a new bolt: otherwise, it's already been straightened.
Our third shop also always straightens the fabric and also gives a bit extra.
Guess who gets the lion's share of my business?
#117
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,653
I think expecting/wanting "extra" to make up for possible shrinkage is about as reasonable as expecting extra meat to make up for the bone or fat that is inedible.
The store probably pays for the fabric as it comes on the bolt. So if there are 10 actual yards on the bolt, they were probably charged for 10 yards - regardless of how it is on the bolt.
That said, I will favor a shop or store that cuts generously to one that cuts "short."
The store probably pays for the fabric as it comes on the bolt. So if there are 10 actual yards on the bolt, they were probably charged for 10 yards - regardless of how it is on the bolt.
That said, I will favor a shop or store that cuts generously to one that cuts "short."
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