Cutting Fabric on Lengthwise Grain

[DollyQuilt]

I am making a quilt that has a border with a one-way design. The
instructions say to cut this fabric on the lengthwise grain. Whenever I have to cut fabric on the lengthwise, I get a little
edgy because I never know if I'm doing it right. I thought I would
get on here and see if anyone has some ideas on how to do this.

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[sewcarolyn]

http://ezinearticles.com/?Patchwork-and ... &id=319713

this is a nice article explaining the difference between the warp and weft of fabric. The lengthwise grain, the weft, has less stretch. That is why when cutting a garment you align to the selvege. As quilters we use the warp for most of the cutting but I often re-fold so I am using the lengthwisw grain. This can make a big difference when using fabric that is lighter in weight then a high quality quilting fabric. If you are using cetain fabrics, such as flannel or homespun, it is even more important to pay attention to the lengthwise grain because you will get less distortion over time.

To make sure you have your fabric straight even it up as you normally do for crosswise grain cutting then refold it matching the freshly cut edges and your selvege will be at either end of your piece. then cut as you normally do.
http://quilting.about.com/od/fabricembe ... _grain.htm
this link gives more general information about the grain of fabric.

hope this helped I am sure there will be other responses which will help too

[Joannequilts]

DollyQuilt, I almost always use the lengthwise grain for borders, less stretch. And I always tear them. Snip the top of the fabric about 1/4 inch to the right of the selvege with scissors and rip. That should tear the fabric right on the grain. I carefully spray starch and iron the strip.

If you are using a border fabric, you'll probably have to tear quite a distance away, though. I would tear it at least 1 to 1 1/2 inch to the right of the design you want to use. Hopefully, the design follows the grain line..if not, you will probably have to cut it, but it wouldn't be necessarily on grain then.

Joanne:0)

[GrandmaTaz]

DollyQuilt. I like the other suggestions that have been posted, very good information. I like to cut the borders on the grain especially if it's a long one and normally would have to piece it if I cut it on the crossgrain. and especially if it is not a printed piece (like flowers etc.) and the seam would show. But the downfall to that is you use a lot of fabric in yards to get the length you need. So hopefully you will have enough for something else. You really have to plan your borders ahead of time so you will have enough fabric. I like Joannequilts suggestion to tear the fabric. I have done that and then fold the fabric piece into a mangeable strip to cut with the 24" ruler. Most of the time I get it pretty straight but you have to be carefull to keep the edges together and your hand steady.

Jeanne

[GrandmaTaz]

Thanks Carolyn for the sites on grain of fabric. I have booked marked them to look at later. I'm off to work at the fabric store....Tough job but somebody has to do it...LOL

Jeanne

[DollyQuilt]

Thank you everyone. Those quilt sites really help me understand.
You've all been so nice to offer your advice. Thanks again.

[happymrs]

I recently bought Judy Martins book on helpful quilting info, & she recommends always cutting your strips this way, & since then, I do that now, so I don't have to worry about it stretching near as much. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it!

Nancy...

[WeeOne]

Thanks Carolyn for the web sites. I printed the info out.

[tagsmom]

If you cut from length wise grain on fabric will that change the amount of fabric needed?

[garden]

okay, I have a pattern that is telling me to cut the binding cross grain, but when I did this, the fabric started to unravel. How do I fix this or should I just go ahead and use the fabric I have left to cut lengthwise.
(Carol