Flaw in fabric
 

My daughter bought some flannel from Hancock's over the weekend for me to use to make her daughter a new swaddle blanket. When I was ironing it today, I noticed a grey streak down the side - probably not noticeable to anyone but me. But it sort of bothers me. This is supposed to be good quality flannel so I have no idea what caused this streak.

I won't bother to return it as it goes so well with the other piece of flannel that she bought but I was wondering - can you return cut yardage if you get it home and there's a flaw? I'm not talking a tiny twisted thread type flaw, but a gray streak that runs the whole width of the fabric. Just curious.

Thanks!

Well it wouldn't hurt to try! I'd call first and ask.

I had that happen at Hancock's a long time ago when I started making clothes. At that point I had the clerk open the entire batch of fabric I was going to buy. I'm sure they weren't happy with me but I wasn't happy with shoddy fabric.

I know that JoAnn's will accept returns as long as the fabric has not been cut or washed. Hancock's is probably the same.

My JoAnns let's you if it's not cut or washed.

Because of the flaw, I feel sure it could be returned if it hasn't been washed or cut.

I would try returning it, even if it has been washed.

Could the "flaw" be from the bolt sitting on the floor where the fold would have picked up dirt? Would it wash out?

Jan in VA

My thought would be is it worth the cost of loosing time, petrol to shop parking fees wear and tear on car or you. Ring see what they say then make a decision.
I have had extra when flaws have been found when selling but if I can get around a flaw when found at home take a deep breath and ignore.

Hancocks here puts a yellow sticker on the fabric when it is cut; as long as you have the sticker it can be returned.

If you still have the receipt - I would still try to return it even if it was washed! If it was sold as first quality goods, then there should be no hassle if it isn't. (Operative word here is "should")

I can deal with flaws if I know about them ahead of time (although it infuriates me when the clerk/associate tells me I can work around them - maybe I can, maybe I can't - I know quite well what I'm willing to work around)

I would try to take it back to where I purchased it and if that doesn't work, write a letter to the company. When you go back to the store, take a photo of the end of the bolt with the upc and company info. If they have had trouble with that line, you may at least get a discount.

IF you cannot return it and as a last resort, take the fabric to a good light and find the very end/beginning of the dark line. See if you can carefully lift it out of the thread, with the point of a fine needle. I once found a dark line, in a piece of older flannel fabric. Figured I had nothing to lose, so started trying to pull it out . . . and did! It ended up being an extra fiber, that had somehow been woven into the fabric. I was able to pull out a small section, cut, then pull out another small section, etc. I was careful not to pick up the actual flannel thread and in the end, that thread had just a slightly looser weave. After a few more washes, it was no longer noticeable. It was a PITB and seemed to take forever . . . but it did save the piece of fabric.

I would do as Neesie did but, this has not been a problem for me. I sometimes have many fabrics I just washed, dried, folded and put away. No receipt and could not remember where it was bought. It makes sense to me to try and fix it under these circumstances.

Yes you should return fabric that has that kind of flaw in it! It really should not make any difference why or how the flaw got there. reuten it even if it is cut. Sometimes fabric flaws are not easily seen as it is being cut. Fabric shops or deprtments should be made aware of defective fabric and they in turn may be able to return it to the manufacture. All that said- there may be reason why you do not or can not return it. dstance, really like fabric, willing or can around flaw. If you do not return the fabric at least call the store and tell them about it. so they can check the bolt and pull it so others do not have this issue. Also maybe they would compensate you is some way for the inconvience. .

i work at Hancock Fabrics and yes, you can return fabric for any reason. You have to have your receipt otherwise you are SOL.

Since you've already ironed it, they probably won't take it back but you can still take it over to them to see if the flaw continues through their bolt. If it does they need to send it back to the manufacturer! They don't really like to mess with irregular fabric. They want to know this believe me!

it doesn't matter if you ironed it. The flaw is there. Take it back they will refund your money.

take it back stores need to know about the imperfections in there fabric

I would definitely take it back, the people cutting certainly don't look at both sides of the fabric and sometimes don't even notice anything about the fabric as they are reeling it off the bolt. If it's a flaw it certainly isn't your fault and not something anyone would want to purchase.

READ and keep the receipt !!!!! Hugs

Hobby Lobby will exchange or replace it. I had to return a piece I bought yo use in my mom's birthday present and I didn't even have my receipt.

Try to work it into the design, vertical/horizontal stitch patterns, change colors and you've got a one of a kind.

Here in Australia we would expect a refund or replacement. I did buy a piece with a flaw once as the flaw was only right next to the salvage. I also got it for half price and it was a gorgeous green. Surely the sales clerk must have seen it if it's across the width.

There was a time when I would just put up with something like that, but in recent years I have decided that if I am buying something, it should be right. Show it to them and see what they can do for you.

I bought some fabric from a Lancaster shop and the outline around some of the designs was missing. I didn't notice until it was washed and I was ironing it. I emailed a picture of the flaw and a copy of my receipt to the shop and they mailed me the replacement fabric.

We are in the Memphis, TN / Southaven, MS area on business for several weeks. I walked (about a mile) to JoAnns in Southaven to pick up charm squares to make folded bowties (something I can do without a sewing machine). I was so surprised that all they had was two designs of 5 inch flannel baby prints. Oh well - someone will need a baby quilt one of these days, and I need to stay busy. I picked up two packets. When I returned to the hotel (another mile of walking), I discovered that one of the squares in the packet was cut in half. The next day, I walked back to JoAnns to exchange the packet. No problem with the exchange. When I got back to the hotel, I opened up the new packet only to discover that the packet was short two squares! So - another trip back to Joanns. The cashier was very nice and gladly gave me the two missing squares. At least I got my exercise and had no problem at Joanns.

A few days before, I walked to Hancock's - they don't carry charm squares. I'm wondering where the quilt shops are, if any, in this area?

Stores should take back FLAWED fabric since it is not your fault. Many fabric store do not take back fabric if it is buyers remorse!

I bought 5 yards of the better quality wide muslin from Joanns. As I was serging the cut edges in preparation for washing it I noticed a thin black line that ran the entire length of the fabric. I wasn't very optimistic that I could return it, since I had serged 1 side completely, and about 1/2 of the other side.

They were happy to take it back. We determined that the rest of the bolt was flawed. So they special ordered the fabric for me, and I got the 60% discount that I had used for the original purchase. I should have the fabric next week. The store manager and I are both hoping that the new bolt is without flaws.

I am very happy with the customer service I received!

You should be able to return as its a flaw not of your making. I just bought some fabric at Fons & Porter Warehouse Sale during the Des Moines Quilt Show. One of the fabric had an area where it seems the design was missing on it. Plus just after the point where she was going to cut for my measurement, they had pieced the fabrics together. She cut right after that and started over in my measurement. I've had this happen before but by the time I finally used it there had been a long period since I purchased so I just left it as is and cut the back spot out and used the rest. It happens occasionally so you just need to watch while your fabric is being taken off the bolt. We checked both sides after finding 2 flaws on the same bolt. Makes you weary.......and it was such a lovely piece of green with gold metallic running thru it too so I just had to have some of it.............:-)

I would at least call Hancock's to see if it can be returned, replaced or reimbursed. If you never ask, the answer is always no. It can't hurt to at least make the call.

You brought back memories of my Dad he always referred to fuel as "Petrol" :)

I bought flannel at Joanns, I made a self binding receiving blanket, got all done and noticed the flaw with the flannel "seperating", it would have fallen apart so I took the blanket to Joanne and they took it to send back to the manufacturer and replaced all the flannel used in the blanket.

Thanks for all the input. It's nice to know that Hancocks and Joanns both are pretty good about this sort of this. Daughter just loves the fabric and it was the last of it so she wants me to use it anyway. And it really is a light gray - not very noticeable.

Chances are after 20 washings or so, it won't be noticeable at all.

Hancock Fabrics return policy is: It is returnable if nothing has been done to the fabric. That little yellow sticker has the information the store needs.

When growing up & all the years of sewing I have never seen fabric being returned unless it was damaged. Now they will even bring it back the same day. They have various reasons. I have a hard time with that. Oh well.....

You didn't miss the flaw, the cutter at Hancock's did. So they should reimburse you.

Well I was working on another blanket and noticed a hole in the fabric where the weaving was coming apart. Returned that one and they were great about it. I did not have receipt but we pulled the bolt and she got the price from that. The lady cutting it also gave me a little extra for my time and gas! I am thankful that I had asked this question ahead of time. Not sure what's up with the fabric but while I was in there I pulled another flannel and it was separating too!!

Thanks for all of your responses. I might not would've even bothered to return it!