Width?

[sunsup]

Is my memory failing? I think fabric used to be 44/45 inches wide. I noticed in one of El's book it said the yardage was based on 42 inch wide fabric. Hmmmmm. I think I'll go measure some of my fabric.

[zfatcat]

Maybe that's because it was washed and dried. She might be considering shrinkage.

[Tiggersmom]

I think El is using 42 as a 'usable' amount since some fabrics are 43 to 44 or 44/45 depending on the company........then you cut off the edges and you should have at least 42 good inches.

Jennifer
forgot my name...oops

[mic-pa]

I think if you measure your fabric it comes out 42 in. or less before washing. On a very rare occasion the fabric might be 44 but the companays have cut back on width. I have even had some that was 39inches. So measure when you get it. but then again, if you order from ELeanor and you order 2 yds, she always gives you extra inches on the length of your fabric. Marge

[Evie]

I really noticed this when I made my son's rail fence quilt. In sewing strips of fabric, I was supposed to get 5 blocks per strip set, but only got 4. The lengths were all different. One by 4 inches!

[WeSignificant]

With pre washing and drying, and new fabric widths, when I figure amounts I use a 40 inch width. Many quilting fabrics are not 44/45 inches but closer to 40/42 to begin with. I bought some quilting flannel one time that was barely 39. If you use the fabric as stated in El's patterns you will be okay, but if you use something else, it is worth the time to sit down and refigure.

[sunsup]

Thank you all. I too found a big difference in fabric widths when I actualy measured some of my stach.

[gardenquilter]

it is not all the same some 42 some 45 some 60

[Kittyquilt9292]

I learned good lesson--make sure to measure--don't assume anything. I used 8 different fabrics and each one was a different width! Only noticed this as I was putting them together for pillowcases! Probably due to shrinkage, how much gets cut off as selvage edge, or how the mfg figures. I've ranged from 41 in. to 45 in.

[SewSew]

I agree with kittyquilt9292, you must measure your width. Fabric can come in so many different widths, I always buy a yard more than I think I will need just to make sure I have some incase I make a mistake or have to redo a block for whatever reason.

Ann