The fabric measurements we provide refer to the pre-dyed size of the fabric.  Shrinkage is normal during the dyeing process and some fabrics may shrink a bit more than others, but the original number of holes of the piece of fabric remains the same. If you are unsure if a piece of fabric will be big enough for a project, we recommend purchasing the next largest size to be safe. With all hand dyed fabrics, we recommend beginning your project in the center of the fabric.