Kits with problems
 

I bought a quilt kit and started to cut the fabric. I found that the fabric in the kit was off square, so I straighten it. Then I found out that once straightened, there was not enough fabric to cut all the pieces. The fabric was cut exactly to the inch of what was needed. So now I'll need to buy some of that fabric. Has this happened to anyone else? Do you just go ahead and cut the pieces off square? Does this problem appear in most precut kits?

I buy most of my kits from Connecting Threads. They fabric is always more then I need to finish the quilt. I have several from Hancocks of Paducah and so far the fabric has been generous. I found with BOMs the fabric is on the short side even from well known shops. The last BOM program I bought, the applique fabric pieces were just scraps of fabric. For the price of the program I didn't expect scrap odd shape pieces.

I've always been well-supplied with Pam Bono kits and Marti Michell's Patchwork Party BOM's even though they were cut at different shops. That must be very frustrating! Did you call the shop and talk to them? Maybe they would have sent you more.

Quilt kits from creative quilt kits are always great. Check their web site, they have good sales. And no I'm not the owner or store worker..just another satisfied customer!

I would definitely complain to the stop that provided the kit.

That is why I do not buy kits. I am sorry to hear this happened to you.

I am always hesitant to buy kits for that reason !

Unfortunate for you but not unusual occurrence. I bought one kit, got burned because the store ran out of the main fabric. I did notice when I was in a store the other day that they had their BOM and kit fabric practically under lock and key. Not for sale. Great idea until everyone gets their packet for the month. They give a reward for bringing in the finished block the next month.

I have only done two kits so far but, they cured me of kits. I found that I didn't have enough fabric in either one. I guess I cut large? I do know that when piecing, only do a scant 1/4". I would contact the place I purchased the kit and ask for more, you are probably not the only one to experience the problem.

I do BOMs and I always measure the piece before I cut it. Some stores are more generous with their cuts than other stores.

Contact the company. I've bought 4 kits from one store. Each kit was short fabric by the time I straightened it out. It was very frustrating. I've also learned with that particular company that if I order a kit I need to make the quilt right away. I will need fabric and if I wait it's gone. Consequently I don't order a lot from them.

OH, and why are they short fabric? I asked. They cut the fabric in stacks and if the piece(s) you get are at the bottom of the stack they are off.

well heavens! Can you share so the rest of us can be aware? I would hate to have that happen. :(

It must really depend on the store that provides the kit. I'm currently working on one that I bought from Fons and Porter online and when I squared up the first piece I was worried because it looked like I would lose about 2 inches of fabric. It turns out that the fabric was cut in very generous pieces because I have left overs from every piece of fabric. Sigh of relief here! Also, before ordering I was concerned that I might not actually like the colors in person so I called to ask them about that and was told that I could return the kit within a month if I wasn't satisfied. Needless to say, I would not hesitate to order from them again.

I do lots of BOM's and have purchased lots of complete kits from all over and have never had a problem.

I bought a kit to do a Take 5 off of ebay- it was suppose to be a baby blanket and it had enough material for a lap quilt. I was very happy.

I bought 2 identical kits from an online shop and each kit was short one of fabrics. I contacted the online shop and they didn't have anymore of the fabric in stock. The kits had actually been kitted by Robert Kaufman and instructed me to contact RK. The online store also told me if RK wouldn't/couldn't help me to let them know and they would find the fabric online somewhere and send it to me free of charge. Robert Kaufman came through though and sent me more than enough of the fabric I needed; overnight shipping no less at no charge to me!

I've not purchased any quilt kits, but used to get counted cross stitch kits frequently.
One of the last I got was one that had a gorgeous printed background that was to be embellished by the counted cross stitch. Unfortunately it was printed off grain enough to be unable to really follow the pattern. Very disappointing.
So I know how frustrated you are by this misfortune.

I have always been skeptical of kits and now I will remain so. I had a few problems with a BOM I did last year from a LQS. I checked each pack as soon as I got home, because some was cut wrong, some right on unusable selvege. Luckily my shop owner is a sweety and never hesitated to make amends.

I would too! If they are cut exactly, then it should say so in the first part of the instructions.

That's why I don't buy kits. I've tried different companies and complained and was told no guarantees since I cut into fabric. I've spent about $300.00 on different kits. Some patterns are a lot off kilter also. Got a kit once and a whole page of instructions was missing. Company wanted to charge me for the extra page about 30% of cost of kit. I will not purchase any kit. Too many free patterns to choose from. I have always been short fabric.

I have purchased a few kits over the years, but rarely make the quilt as the pattern shows, so I almost always wind up throwing in a few of my own fabrics. Half the time I just buy the kits on sale because I like the fabrics in them, so I wouldn't know if the kit was short or not. The only thing I've ever done straight from the kit was a purse from Connecting Threads and there was nearly enough fabric in that kit to make the pattern twice.

I have bought numerous kits...mostly from Connecting Threads and have never had this happen. Guess I've been lucky!!

I bought a kit at a quilt show. When I started to cut it out, noticed there were two different cuts of fabric missing. I tried to contact the vendor, to no avail. So I will never buy a kit, except at my local quilt store or stand there and dissemble the kit to make sure all the pieces are there.

I did one kit and there was enough fabric for everything but the instructions were awful! Kinda soured me on kits.

I have purchased quilt kits from LQS & they were generous at first then started getting stingy with cuts. I now buy kits from Quilters Quarters for most popular kits & Connecting Threads - no problem

I purchased a kit and not only was I short changed on fabric but there had been substitutions. No where on the write up did it say substitutions. When I called the shop that I bought it from they said the kit was on sale and I should expect it.

Gee I must lucky because I've done 3 kits so far, from 3 different quilt shops and had plenty of fabric. Two were from Pleasant Valley Quilts in Armstrong B.C., and Traditional Pastimes in Calgary Alberta. Both are great shops. Can't remember the name of the third shop.

I have quit buying kits for this reason.

I have had that happen to me when just purchasing fabric for a quilt. Did you try straightening the grain by stretching the opposite diagonals. My Home Ec. teacher taught us that eons ago. It works then you don't waste all of that fabric and your goods are truly straight of grain. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjlNkmDX9OM

I only did one quilt from a kit and it was because I won the kit in our guild drawing. It was really a cute quilt, pine trees, etc. but the fabric was horrible. Instead of doing it as large as I should have, I cut it down to a large wall hanging or small quilt. It looked ok when I finished but I don't think I would ever buy a kit because of this experience. The fabric was very misshapen and no matter what I did, it fought me.

Watched the link you posted. Thank you. I never knew you could do this. Very helpful.

Ha Ha, I read this as KIDS with problems, maybe the question was not too far out !!

straight of grain
 

Thank you so much for this link. I will try it next time. :o

Well, I guess I'm not alone with this problem. This is the first quilt kit I've bought because I loved these fabrics!. Don't think I'll buy another one unless the fabrics used are easily available in case I need more!

I've only done two kits, but both were just fine, I guess I was lucky. The most recent had a minimum of 4-8" extra beyond what I needed even though I cut off at least 6" of each piece to square up.

I have purchased about 5 quilt kits - so far every kit has more than enough fabric - I would definitely call the store - I am sure they would replace it.

I would call the manufacturer if it was wrapped like it came already cut. If it was put together at your quilt store, I am sure the will make it right.

I have bought one kit and it was on sale for 50% off. Just a simple one. I made it and when I was finished there was enough fabric left to make a second quilt minus the panel. I was so happy as I loved the fabric. I bought it from Bayside Quilting in Olympia Washington and I would buy more from them in a heartbeat if I had the money.

All the comments are good. I have had good and bad experiences. I bought a fish kit from Keepsake and very unhappy, not enough fabric but I could buy more. No, they did not make it right, never bought from them again. Bought BOM kits at LQS and both had good results. Fabric Shack told me they where on sale, same thing as above comment. You get what you pay for, if you are lucky.

I would definitely complain to the store where you bought the kit, they should have supplied you with enough fabric plus a little extra to complete the kit.