Originally Posted by mimom
I have made about 35 quilts and have never worried about cutting on the grain, I have encountered some quilters who insist on the "perfect cut" I didn't ask why because I didn't want to sound stupid. What is the purpose of cutting perfectly on the grain and how many others worry about this.
Fabric strips cut from selvage to selvage (S/S)have a small amount of elasticity (they stretch). Fabric strips cut "with the grain" don't stretch. Either way is okay - depending on your preference.
I prefer to cut "with the grain" for my sashing strips. The reason for this is that my block will be square and stay that way. They won't have that quarter-inch stretch going on. You don't get those "wavy" borders if you cut "with the grain" - a 27" strip stays a 27" strip, not a 27-1/2" strip like you sometimes get if you cut S/S.