feline fanatic

holy cow! I have never seen anything that out of square, even on 108" wide back fabric. A few inches yes but never ever have I lost anything close to 18" in the squaring up process, especially on a cut as small as 2 1/4 yards. Something that crooked should have been visibly obvious right off the bolt. I would definitely be going back to the source of purchase on that one. I am actually quite shocked the person cutting didn't notice, unless it was a big box store. IMHO most of the cutters I have encountered there aren't sewers and don't understand what they are doing beyond cutting a hunk of fabric off the bolt.

Sewnoma

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.

marymm

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!

KnitnutBZ

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.

KnitnutBZ

I mean you can't afford to lose the inch or two. sorry

Tink's Mom

Same here...just want what I paid for to all be useable.

KnitnutBZ

I would still say something to the shop owner so she can maybe say something to the manufacturer.

paulswalia

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.

iluvquiltin

I used to work at a quilt shop and we always gave a thumb's width extra when we rotary cut it.

JanieH

I buy a little bit extra to allow for squaring up.

However, if it is really crooked, I ask them to straighten it and then cut it even. I don't want to cheat them but I don't want to be cheated either.