I worked Fabrics in Wal Mart for several years. When working with a Patchwork pattern or a panel or anything that had a line pattern to it, I would always cut along the line closest to the yardage. You cut one side along the line of the fabric to the fold and then turn the bolt over and cut the other side on the line so that the customer would get a straight cut according to the panel or pattern design. I think this makes just good sense.