I ordered 108 inch backing fabric from Handcocks of Paducah. After piddling around trying to make things fit, I measured it. It measures 104 inches from selvedge to selvedge. Exactly, 104 inches from the very edge to the extreme other edge. Am I measuring right? I assumed 108 from selvedge to selvedge. Yes?

I don't want to call them if I'm not thinking about this correctly.

I would also assume that if it says 108" that it would be 108" from selvedge to selvedge. I have bought 108" wide backing fabrics before and it was always 108". I would definitely call and ask about this.

I would remeasure & then call & ask the seller the same question. I know they are shrinking the size of everything, but they sould not advertise 108" if it does not measure 108".

Is this the size pre or post wash? If it is post wash, they will most likely say that is just usual shrinkage. 4 inches is about 2-3% shrinkage.

UPDATE

I called Hancocks. There is none of that fabric in the store so they can't measure it. Their offer is for me to send it back and they will exchange it for a similar fabric they have in stock. I would have to pay the shipping to send it back. They would pay the shipping to send out the new piece.

Right now, I'm just ticked. If I would've ordered half yard more of fabric, I could've just turned the backing the other way and it wouldn't have mattered! Of course, I was trying to "save" by ordering just enough and since it isn't 108 inches it isn't enough either way! GRRRR!!!!

I would keep it and add a border or side panels from a different fabric. What a shame!

Well thats a bit unfair.. they listed it at 108 inches!! you should not be incuring additional costs to send it back.. say nothing about the inconvienince.

I really don't blame them. For all they know, I can't measure correctly. They said no one else had called to complain. That's probably because everyone else has the good sense not to try to cut it so close on the backing! I needed everyone of those 108 inches. I should have known better.

If you didn't pre-wash the fabric, then I agree that you should not have to pay shipping to return it. I would call them back and insist that they made the mistake, not you. Good luck.

It should be 108" if its sold as such. Often its a little more than indicated.

Lanny

To make sure I understand correctly, they want you to pay to ship back something that was a mistake on their part -- you ordered in good faith. If you had ordered blue fabric and they sent yellow, would they expect you to pay to ship it back?

It might benefit you to call again and ask to speak to someone else. I'm sure it can be resolved without cost to you.

They say they have nothing left to measure it against to determine, for themselves, that it's only 104". So they want you to pay to return it to them.

Call them back and suggest that you *will* return it at your expense, BUT, when they measure it and see that it IS only 104" when they advertised it as 108", you will expect them to reimburse your return shipping with a check, or store credit if YOU prefer, when they send out the replacement.

Ask to speak to a manager if you get nowhere with the person who receives the call.

Jan in VA

I think this is a great suggestion :D:D:D

That is a good idea. Once they see that I'm not crazy, they could reimburse me. Looks like it's time to make more phone calls!

If you paid by credit card....call the credit card company. there's more than one way to skin a cat!