I can't tell you how relieved I am to learn that most of you feel the whole "pulling a thread to straighten the grain" isn't necessary in quilting! Like many of you, I was taught the technique in junior high school, but that course was focused on garment making. I was so discouraged when Harriet Hargrave - my piecing/quilting teacher by way of her books - also demanded it. it adds such tedium to the prep that I almost gave up quilting right then and there!