The piece of fabric we were given is a plaid. I think the bias cut is more decorative since the lines get all wonky w/the plaid. Thank you everyone for helping me out. The strips are cut and I'm sewing them together, getting ready to apply to the runner. This is the first time I have ever used binding cut on the bias. I just have always used the straight width cut strips. That was the whole problem. Now I have 'mastered' a new technique and will have a beautiful runner when I'm done. The project was from the Betty Cotton class I took on Friday. Thanks again, friends.
Wendy