Unfortunately, yes. Not often in better quality fabrics that you find in your local independent shops. But as a former shop owner, I know it does happen or a bolt is spliced. The difference is, the better manufacturers will write on the bolt end if it is less than ordered. Most bolts come in 15yd put ups. If it is short it will be marked 13 1/2 for example and that is what is charged to the owner. If it was for a customer, I always measured it out anyway.