Originally Posted by
bearisgray
I have fabrics from over 20 years ago that are only 42 inches wide. So it isn't just a NEW thing.
Read what it says on the end of the bolt. If you want to 'see for yourself' - carry a tape measure with you.
You may also want to 'assume' that there may be some shrinkage - As PaperPrincess says, WOF fabric shrinkage can be drastic - although I've had LOF shrinkage, too.
Interestingly enough to me, some of the 'so-called' lesser brands like VIP, Marcus Brothers, and Peter Pan usually were 45 inches, whereas some of the 'so-called' better brands like Kaufman, Hoffman, Alexander Henry tended to be narrower.
Go figure - pay more - get less!
ditto - I have been quilting for 30 years and even back then it was rare to get a full 45" of usable fabric. HOWEVER the selvages were much smaller then, today some of them are ridiculous!!