Before cutting, measure, wash, dry and re-measure. Keep washing, drying and measuring until it stops shrinking. May take 2-3 washings before it stops shrinking, but each time the fabric will get thicker and softer. Then when it's shrunk & soft, starch the heck out of it!!! When you pin the sandwich be careful to smooth out the wrinkles from the top and backing as it will grab the cotton batting.