Originally Posted by butterflywing
the crossgrain goes from selvedge to selvedge.
the crossgrain has stretch in it. that is, if you pull on it and then relax it, it will 'bounce' back into shape. the lengthwise grain has no stretch and i find is easier to rip..
Well, that would certainly explain why my ripping the fabric for my backing didn't tear straight. Thank you for explaining that for me. Tear parallel to the selvedge, but tearing from selvedge to selvedge will cause the fabric to be more wonky. Works for me! Thank you!