Straightening the grain on a piece of fabric - how important is it these days?

[debishere]

Hi everyone! When I first started quilting years ago, I used the Quilt in a Day Log Cabin pattern. We had to tear off the cut end of the fabric to get a straight grain, and then made the subsequent strip tears. I've now started quilting again (after too many years) and am starting to accumulate some books/patterns for new quilts. None of the books/patterns or shows that I have watched in the last few months have mentioned whether it is important to cut strips perfectly on the grain anymore. I've perused as many books at the library as I can get my hands on, and didn't find anything there either, so it may be a non-issue these days. I've been continuing to rip the cut edge to get a straight grain line before I cut, but I'm wondering if it as important as I thought it was before. If you're cutting lots of 2-1/2 inch strips (or cutting squares or rectangles or whatever), is it going to matter in the long run if the grain is off a little bit? I'd love to find out what everyone thinks about this and what you all do when you end up with a piece of fabric where the grain is really crooked. (Aside from having to buy more of it!) Thanks everybody!!!

[MainelyMe]

I have always thought that it is important to use the straight of grain. It seems to me that this is needed to keep the fabric from stretching and bowing, especially in using strips. With appliqué pieces you can't worry about the grain so much, but with piecing I would.
Joan

[QUODDYNLILLYMOM]

Most of the better quality ie quilting fabric is on grain due to great quality control. However, some fabrics are a lot off grain and you can seen it quite easily. Never make a Good quilt or garments without checking the true grain & do not make bias ever without straightening the grain or you will ruin your project. If you are making a beach-use or football cover, you need not be as careful as it is gonna be used and washed a lot . Recently as a was waiting for my fabric to be cut at a local store , a new clerk just lined up the selvages and when it did not give an even edge she cut it off and then cut across the selvege. I decided not to buy my choice...former choice???

[auntjana]

It is important when you are working using long strips - they will bow and cause waves in your fabric strip sets as you sew them together.

I still straighten my fabrics - after I have rinsed,dried, and ironed them, for keeping in my stash.

Each time I use a piece of fabric for cutting in a quilt, I will straighten a small slice off the end, before I make my cuts for the piecing. Even as I am cutting across, I will re-straighten to make sure I am cutting correctly.

El calls the torn edge - "bruised" and straightens it before she starts to use it.

Hope that this helps
Jana

[debishere]

Thanks for the info everyone! I truly appreciate you taking the time to help out with my question. I'll keep on straightening those grains! I tend to get a little OCD about the details, so it's great to have a detail I can fuss over without wondering if I'm going overboard. OK - no more excuses left - I'm off to start on my next quilt top and cutting lots and lots of very straight 2-1/2 inch strips!
Deb