My problem was that my pattern for a runner used just FQ's and when the one FQ was not the right measurements, it really threw the whole thing off.......had to reduce the seam allowances.

Woe was me !!!!!!

I have found the same problem. Even fq's from the same online shop have different sizes although they are advertised as being 22" x 18". (whch is cut from yardage). In the UK metric measurement is now more common so it should be more. Why they can't use rotary cutters for accuracy is beyond me. It is so annoying to find the edge is not straight and losing more than an inch to square it up.

yep. the same thing can happen with yardage. that's why i always buy extra. at least one extra of each.

also, the pattern designer can't predict how much i'll waste on incorrect cuts. that's pretty bad considering i design all my own quilts. :lol:

since a fat quarter is cut by cutting a 1/2 yard of fabric (so should always be 18") then cutting the 1/2 yard piece in half along the fold one measurement is not always 22"...it depends on the width of the fabric, i have purchased fat quarters that were only 18" square...because the fabric on the bolt was only 36" wide...so, it can vary by a large amount. and then if you tend to pre-wash you will probably only ever have 16-17" of usable by the time you square up...if you really have to have fq's that are 18"x22" you are best off cutting your own out of yardage...that way you can start out larger to make up for shrinkage and squaring up.

LOL! Me too! :lol:

And a half gallon of icecream is now a third of a gallon.

I know!!! What's up with that?? Now it looks like I'm eating more!! :lol:

I've had this problem exclusively when I've bought FQ from JoAnn's Fabric & Crafts! And after I wash them, frequently the fabric is stretched and out of shape. If it's way short or cut way out of straight of grain, I take it back. They are good about that, but the hassle, time and aggravation! Usually I have a hard time finding a suitable substitute. I now find my own fabric combinations and have them cut, or I buy it on Ebay or Amazon where I've never had a problem. JoAnns is understaffed and staff lacks basic knowledge, so I regularly shop in a local store where I don't have to go from line to line and can talk and get help from fellow fabric addicts.

Yes I have. Many fabric cutters are not very accurate and when you only get a FQ it can make a big difference!! I just keep a close eye when I'm getting FQs or I make sure I open them and examine them first.

You had mentioned a Chop and Sew. What is that? can you share the pattern??

thanks

Picklelady

Opps fat fingered!! sorry to all.