I watch the yardage with an eagle eye as the clerk measures it out prior to cutting. Once the fabric is marked for cutting, I ask the clerk to flip it over and let me check the underneath side before the cut is actually made.

At cheaper fabric stores, I'd guess that about 1 in 15 or 20 bolts of fabric have fabric with uneven dye spots, pulled threads, rips in the fabric, knots in individual warp threads (creating a flaw), etc.

Oddly enough, depending on what it is I'm making, I sometimes hope there IS a flaw because they will usually offer a discount.

I've never had a clerk act like I was being unreasonable when I ask to examine both sides of the fabric before cutting, especially if I'm buying a lot of yardage. Of course, I try to make sure that I go at times when the store is less crowded or I wait until the cutting table is not crowded to get my fabric cut, since I know I take a little more time than many people.

And I always make a point out of thanking the clerk for their cooperation and help.

Thanks for the heads up. I never thought to check for this.

Thanks all, for the great advice!

Who is Charisma and where can you see her work? I need a fantastic long armer.