Originally Posted by natalieg
This has been a rather interesting read! At the only quilt shop in town where my mom lives (craftybear visits the same one) they tear it there. I just about fell over the first time they tore a piece of my fabric. When I got home with it, I remembered doing that in Home Ec and lo and behold, my fabric was straight and measured fine. Everywhere I shop cuts it (can't stand Walmart's cutting). But, after readin all this, it makes me wonder.
So, on some of the large yardages I buy (say 7 or more yards), if I tear it,then do I tear it from then on, or would it straighten it out and be ok to rotary cut then? I always pre-wash, not sure if that matters or not.
It will straighten out and be fine to rotary cut. When we say large pieces should be torn, we are referring to wide backings, etc.
In your case, once it is torn, pre=washed, etc., just fold so the torn edges and selvedges line up, press (not iron)before using and you will be fine.