Do you have to cut fabric on the bias or can you just cut any way for the pieces???

You mean for piecing a quilt top? You do not want bias edges on pieces, so you usually try to cut on-grain.

You only cut binding on the bias on purpose. Most templetes will show you an arrow line that goes for the straight of grain. There are templetes that will have an edge or so on a bias that can"t be helped, but avoiding bias is something you should do as much as possible. Bias stretches, and must be handled csarrefully when stitching pieces together.

good advice :)

The only time I cut pieces without caring about the grain, is when I am paper piecing. The foundation paper/cloth keeps the bias edges from stretching. :D:D:D

good info :)

I only cut on the bias if I am using it for binding on a curved quilted item.

like they said