Buying enough fabric, Marshall Dry Goods
 

It's been awhile since I've quilted and I'm just worried about not having enough fabric. The pattern asks for 5 5/8 yards, will 6 be enough just in case I make a mistake? Also, does Marshalls Dry Goods have quality fabric?

I would buy 6.5 in case it shrinks when washed. I have heard good things from folks on the forum about Marshall's but I have never bought anything there myself.

Is the 5 5/8 piece for backing? I tend to buy my fabric for the front piecing first and only after the top is finished do I buy the back. There Is an app from Robert Kauffman that I use to help calculate how.much and you never know.if you are going to want a 42", 60, or even an 108" wide for your backing. (Yes , I did a 108 on the back of a throw one time because it was precisely the right color. No regrets!)
I have the luxury of a Joann Fabrics and 2 good quilt shops in my vicinity so I can do this and it has worked well for me. I know its not everyone's situation.

I've never had any complaints about Marshall's Dry Goods, they prices and customer service are very good.

Pretty much every piece of fabric I've bought on-line comes exactly to measure. No extra thumb width.

I would say measurement-wise you are good to go at 6, but like QuiltnLady1 suggests, I'd go an extra half yard just in case. Just in case of shrinkage. Just in case of measurement goofs. Just in case it was wound on the bolt incorrectly and the cut isn't straight.

If the fabric is for backing, consider the design when piecing. You may want extra to match the design across the widths. If it's a large print, you will need at least one repeat of the design.

I use Dream Cotton from Marshall's. It's very nice. I live close to Marshall's so I can feel and see all the fabric in person. The MDG fabric is good quality and I have never had any color bleed. To me the non clear colors and craft fabric designs of the fabric cheapens it.

Of course all the name brands are the quality you find in the quilt shops.

I have not purchased from Marshall's yet but have heard lots of positive comments about them. I have been on their website and tried to shop for specific types of fabrics and find their search engine difficult to use. I never seem to find what I'm looking for but I'm pretty sure they probably have it. If anyone can offer me any "search" advice for their site, I'm listening. TIA

rvsfan- I agree with you on Marshall's site, it used to be very user friendly, but then they "improved" it, so now I have trouble finding what I want.

I did buy fabric from them some time ago and it was very nice fabric. If I were you I would buy at least 6 yards or maybe even 6 1/4 yards of fabric that you need. You never know if there will be shrinkage when you wash and if you starch there will definitely be a little shrinkage.