OK.. granted I learned to sew many, many years ago, but we were taught that there are 2 straight grains on the fabric.. one across it and one the length of it.. and anything off the straight grain is a bias cut as it allows the fabric to stretch. I wash and press my fabric before using which helps me make sure it's not folded "wrong". There is also a method to help you "straighten" the grain of the fabric that involves pulling the fabric in increments on the bias to get it lined up better.. I have done it.. but it's a royal pain in the tuckas (sp) if you ask me.