Originally Posted by Loretta
So what is the concensus here- rip for borders only? And on straight grain?
That's what I do. I wouldn't want to use fabric that has been ripped selvedge to selvedge unless I first cut off at least 2 inches of it. Years ago I read an article in QNM. A quilter took a look at the ripped edges of her fabric under the microscope and found damaged fibers up to 2 inches from the rip. She created heirloom quilts, so she then took all of her ripped fabric and cut off 2 inches from the ripped edges.
I don't have as much of a problem with ripping fabric lengthwise because of the increased stability of the weave. I don't have a problem with folding and cutting long borders lengthwise, though, so I haven't actually resorted to doing this. I'd probably do it for a king-size quilt.