I have this happen all the time. Usually prewashing helps. I can see shrinkage when pressing. I steam press, don't like dry pressing not definite enough. When everything on a project shrinks it seems to work out. If not I'm good at creative add ons.

I have a major problem now. I bought fabric from LQS for a class cut there. Was so excited about project that I proceeded to cut 12 background sq 12 x12. After I got home I had to wash because of allergies. Sq have shrunk to 11.25". I will take it to class next week and see what instructor (store owner ) says.

Seems like a "noticeable" amount of shrinkage to me.

That was 6.25% shrinkage. That amount/rate of shrinkage on a 44 inch strip of would be 2.75 inches.

I have had Kona cotton muslin do this. It wasn't just a tad amount either, it was significant. So now I always wash my Kona....

Thanks for the heads up on Kona. I just bought a bunch for a couple of projects.

Measure "before" and "after" washing - let us know what happens.

I don't pre wash,but haven't had any probs.In fact,all my 1st quilts were made with Walmart fabrics.They've survived several diff moves & being hung on the walls for both DDs & the 3 Grkids use theirs like old favs....to scrunch up on the floor for tv watching & as a bed cover most nights.They must be 12 yrs old or so.Just realized, it must have been better fabric than I knew. :-)

I always cut background squares larger and plan to cut down to exact size after the applique is done. Aside from the shrinkage you have now, applique can also draw up the edges of the background (often unevenly). I learned this lesson the hard way on my first applique quilt *after* I had put tons of time into the applique.

Prism, Thank you for that heads up. I will learn from your experience. will keep that in mind.

When I buy any fabric I always get atleast a half yard more for shrinkage on all fabric no matter were I get it even the LQS. I use what ever I have left of the fabric to make small projects or make a scrap quilt. I'd rather have more fabric then not having enough because it may not be available anymore.

Did you steam press your fabric before cutting? I don't prewash all my fabric, but I do use a lot of steam & press -matching selveges before I start cutting quilt pieces.