This is exactly why I prefer not to shop at JoAnns. Fabric on their bolts is NEVER cut straight to begin with (pity the last buyer) and my guess is that the clerks are trained to short everyone by an inch or so. Just joking about the training. Do you remember when fabric was always snipped & then torn on the grain?
All my LQS cut at least 2" over the yard. -- JoAnns generally cuts 2" shorter.