Hi Skylark - I agree with your observation. There is a difference in stretchiness of the fabric -
the width of fabric (wof) is selvedge to selvedge and is stretchier than the length of the fabric which is far more stable. Bias is of course the most stretchy. Cutting fabric parallel to the selvedge will give you the most stable cut - length of fabric is great for borders where you don’t want any stretch. The bias is great for curved edge binding when you need some give, and the WOF is probably the most commonly used cut. It is often the most economical way to
cut fabric, and while it has some stretch to it, it is not uncontrollable. If you are prewashing your fabric, be aware that you are washing out the sizing and losing some stability. I often
use spray starch which will restore a bit of body. You are less likely to distort the fabric
if you starch in large pieces before cutting. I have problems with precision, but I find that if
I pay attention to the grain, use lengthwise cuts when practical, take my time, sew carefully and press as I go along, I will get a better result. Watch an Eleanor Burns video. She uses a
stilleto to control her fabric when sewing, and to get the ends to match on each seam. I find using a scrap of fabric to start and end seams helps keep my seam line accurate (aka leaders and enders, stoppys and startys etc)
Mostly - don’t stress over this - as you sew, you will find techniques that work for you.
Lefty - in Philly