when you buy fabric, do you expect any extra length?
#51
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
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...
#52
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
It really seems to vary...there are 2 Beverly's near me and one store cuts right on the mark and the other adds an extra thumb width to the cut. I don't "expect" it but I do like it when I get that little extra margin.
#53
When I worked for a local quilt shop owner, we always cut an inch or so extra. I believe the idea was to give the buyer a bit for squaring up the fabric, and besides, the owner--who actually believed in ripping the fabric to get it better squared-- considered it a good will measure. I've had fabric from JoAnn's shrink- two inches or more a yard--when washed! (Once I paid for the extra-wide backing for a quilt and the piece--a bit over two yards--shrunk seven inches!)
I guess I really agree with what seems to be a majority decision: I don't expect more, but I appreciate it!
I guess I really agree with what seems to be a majority decision: I don't expect more, but I appreciate it!
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Augusta, Maine
Posts: 363
I agree whole heartedly!!!!! If you need a full yard you can afford to lose 2" after you straighten it. As far as shrinkage goes,you have to expect that especially with flannel and I do take that into consideration when buying that.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Augusta, Maine
Posts: 363
I mean you can't afford to lose the inch or two. sorry
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589
Same here...just want what I paid for to all be useable.
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Augusta, Maine
Posts: 363
I would still say something to the shop owner so she can maybe say something to the manufacturer.
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,095
so, if 1/8 of an inch short is noticeable, is 1/8 of an inch extra a plus for you? I don't think I would even notice an 1/8th of an inch unless I was buying just exactly what I needed - which I just about never do. I work in a quilt shop and we routinely cut about a quarter inch extra just to avoid a spot that has worn on our cutting mat. But remember - it's not just you that wants the extra. If 12 customers want an extra inch then a third of a yard was "given away" to customers. The shop owner had to pay for that yardage and is either going to have to build it into her pricing or cut into her own profit.
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