If the panel was pre-cut at the quilt store, you should be able to return it if you don't want to deal with it. I've also struggled with panels that aren't printed straight, or even designed to be straight. Sometimes I think they're more trouble than they're worth.

I am currently working on one that was 4" inches shorter in width across the bottom that at the top!! Thankfully, it was something that I could cut and square up or I would've just used the fabric for something else later. But since I had to cut off so much from top, I've had to add a much larger border than planned. This resulted in not quite enough fabric and, of course, there is none left. So I've not had to add some corner blocks of another fabric. I'm hoping that all this won't be too busy!!

I'm with you - all fabric will be better measured after it is cut but before I pay for it (especially if grandma at the LQS cuts it). Love that lady - really I do and I'm glad she is able to work some but I'm learning to watch her closely. She overcharged me for a template the other day and undercharged me for a marking pen. Don't think she and the computer at check-out are very friendly yet:) But again, I'm glad that she is able to contribute to the family business and she is a wealth of knowledge and ideas!!

oh boy. maybe you could cut the panel into sections. put back together with thin strips in between cuts. sort like a conversion quilt.http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nati...ml?sort=6&o=87

I would wash the panels, dry them, and then see just exactly what I'm working with.

If the design is printed off-grain, no amount of pulling, etc. will get it on-grain.

I would salvage what I could of it, and then rework it - if I still wanted to fight with it.

Have you considered returning it to the store?

I'm a fanatic about working with the grainlines running in the intended directions.

Again, thanks for the replies. I won't return it to the store because a) it's not their fault the manufacturer can't figure out how to print straight; b) it's a fair drive (1.5 - 2 hrs, depending on traffic) to the place for a $7 panel, and it's unlikely I'll make the trip again any time soon; and c) despite that, it's still my favorite quilt store in the Houston area. When I go over there, I usually drop a few hundred dollars, so I know it's not that they'd be upset with me, but since I have made two trips to that side of town in two weeks, I probably won't make it back for two months at least.

I've decided to use the panel with modifications, and I think it will work. I just need to come up with some fabric to make up for the missing bits (isn't that always the case?). If I don't already have something in my stash that will work, I'll either just order something online (the quilt stores on my side of town aren't all that great) or I'll dye something. ;)

Could be worse, because after staring at this thing for a day and a half, I think I can work around it. I just shouldn't HAVE to, know what I mean?

I have found the same thing that it is crooked, sometimes I can square it up by cutting, but lose a lot of the panel. The panels made up of smaller blocks I have cut up, just to square them up. The term cheater does not mean a lot when you have to mess with cutting and squaring up, takes more time. Unfortunately will probably still pick them up, some of them are so darned nice.