Originally Posted by Prism99
I think the reason they should be cut crosswise or on the bias is so that the fabric will have some stretch when it is ruffled. I'm not an expert, but I think that kind of cut makes nicer-looking ruffles. Lengthwise-cut fabric has no stretch, so I'm betting it makes stiffer looking ruffles that don't look as soft.
Agreed!
Here is my two cents on making this type of curtain!
If I were making that much ruffle. I would NOT be doing a hem on either side. I would simply do an overlock stitch on either side which will keep them from fraying. Then instead of gathering all that ruffle I would use an elastic thread in my bobbin. sew down the center to "gather" then once you are done with that, then sew them on the curtain!