jljack

Well, if they were packaged as FQs, then they should take them back if they are short. Too bad....well, who was it so we all know not to buy FQs there. Thanks.

TexasGurl

Even though fabric WIDTHS vary, there is absolutely NO EXCUSE for them being only 16-17" long. A yard is 36" and half of that is 18" and always will be! Multiply that inch or 2 shorted by all the thousands of fat quarters sold and what do you have?? A whole lot LESS FABRIC for our $$. IMO this is THEFT or FRAUD, if it is an ongoing practice by the manuf & retailers.

quiltlonger

Walmart and Joann's have let me take material back IF I have original receipt and not cut any off of it. But who takes back material. FQ should be that way to unless reduced.

leiladylei54

Yes, recently purchasing some fabrics on the bolt, I found that they were considerably shorter than the 44". I think this is a new trend that's going to be happening. :( But I wish I had known after purchasing up to the very last inch that was needed.

Mariposa

I have found that if fabric is 42", that is good! Usually it is less. I always calculate on 40 usable inches.

deema

I do the same, calculate on 40", and I even leave wiggle room there, to allow for trims, so really, I'm calculating on 38"ish, to be safe. I'd rather buy way too much than be one inch too shot, kwim?

As for the fq's...did you wash them? that might speak for shrinkage, though I never wash fq's...if not, i'd be calling corporate, assuming you haven't cut into them yet.

ckcowl

a fat quarter is cut by taking a bolt of fabric, cut off a 1/2 yard piece, open that 1/2 yard and cut at the fold. not every bolt of fabric is 40-42" wide...some is only 36" wide which would give you a fat quarter that measured 18" x 18". so it depends on the width of the original fabric, but one measurement should always measure 18"...the second measurement can vary. and i have seen a couple shops that sold pre-washed fat quarters, so those did not measure up either because they had been cut then washed, so some shrinkage happened.

Baysidegal

I have purchased 1/2 yards of material and was sent material measuring 20-22"L x 36"w instead of 44L" x 18w"

Mamagus

I have a "sort of" LQS near me. When I buy a FQ, I pay for a quarter metre but get a quarter yard. THAT ticks me off!
really couldn't she just give her customers the 20" and make us feel good? Bummer!

SuziC

I know. It's just like the cookies you now buy at the grocery store...they are getting smaller and smaller and the prices are going up!