I always ask for more at JoAnn's to make up for bad cuts, the clerks can't cut a straight line. Our LQS uses a mat and ruler with a rotary cutter, so I know I'll always get a good cut there.

I certainly do not expect extra. Since I buy for projects only and I prewash, I always overbuy so I have enough to cover my own 'bad cuts' as AliKat and for shrinkage. Frankly, I don't watch cutters (JoAnn's; LQS; etc.). Maybe my bad but I trust that they are cutting what I asked for. I will say, that when I've shopped at just about any of the shops in Lancaster, I have noticed that they measure then add a bit. And that's just a casual observation. But it seems to be the norm there. Something to be said for the 'old ways'.

I don't expect extra, but I do want straight and without flaws. I don't really care how it is on the bolt. If I have to buy extra because the fabric is wonky, then I either need to shop different fabric or a different store.

I prefer to have my fabric purchases torn. It is true that you lose just a tiny amount when you make your first cut in constructing your project-but you certainly know where the true CWG is. If the fabric was not on the bolt correctly you can lose quite a bit on either end of your purchase. That being said, if a shop cuts their fabric they will not tear yours if you ask them because it will throw off their next cut.

I expect to get what I paid for and if that means giving some fudge room because of an uneven cut etc then that's what I expect. Most quilt shops I've shopped at tend to be on the generous side when it comes to cutting. JoAnn's I have to watch like a hawk because they cut short or skewed. When I brought it to the attention of the person cutting that she was starting to measure from the short end and the fabric was crooked before I knew what she was doing she cut off the crooked end and tossed it aside and then proceeded to cut my fabric. I still lost out because when I went to straighten the fabric at home I lost that amount again. Just recently I was in JoAnn's and there was about 2 inches left on the end and she went to cut it off and I asked if she could just give that little amount and she said no that they have to account for every inch on the bolt and I could buy it if I wanted it. I had her cut it off. I am much more likely to buy more in a shop that I don't have to worry I'm being shorted on or they are making sure I don't get one more thread width than what I am paying for.

I don't expect a lot of extra, but an inch or two is a nice courtesy... especially when they cut crooked!

Why would you not go back because they charged you for the extra (even though it was just a 1/2 inch). What if the repeat ended a 1/2 inch before what you asked for, would you have liked it if they cut it there. 1/2 inch or 1 inch it all adds up and costs the shop owner.

I agree with PaperPrincess. I use to cut fabric at House of Fabric (part time did it for the fat employee discount) and I always gave a thumb width extra to make sure that the customer got what they bought. I watch very careful at the chain store that is own by a hedge fund group. I have been shorted there too many times !!

I certainly don't "expect" extra..but if I purchase 2 yards...then I want 2 yard...recently purchased quilt backing..bought an extra 1/4 yard..once it was squared up...and usable..it was 1 3/4 yards...and short of what I needed...it wasn't inexpensive....but at this point totally unusable...I did call the shop...and was told to bring it and the pieces I cut to even it up...and they would replace...

I agree with Dee, but it is nice to get just a little extra just in case of miscuts. I have been to all kinds of shops, those that give just the "right" amount, those that give less and those that give extra.