Originally Posted by
DawnFurlong
So the LQS I frequent rips their fabric instead of tearing. I asked them about it, have read about how it straightens the grain (I might not be stating that correctly - but I know it has to do with straight and the grain).
It seems to distort the fabric along the edges (sometimes a lot).
Before I rotary cut I do the "fabric dance" adjust the fabric so that it hangs straight. On the attached picture you can see that the fabric was quite skewed (I had to cut off approximately 2 inches to get to a straight edge to cut the rest of the pieces). Although I guess the edges were straight (though a little distorted). I don't know if this is due to the ripping or just the fabric is just that far off. Is this normal? I have seen many references to ripping lengthwise (not selvage to selvage). They tear selvedge to selvedge at the LQS. Is this wrong?
Also, there are many who swear by ripping long borders and backing. Do you rip and straighten the edges? Or does it rip with straight edges? And you do not rip selvage to selvage, right? (just checking, the fabric is folded selvage to selvage on a bolt, right?). I am curious enough to want to try this, but afraid of doing it wrong and ruining my fabric!
I have had to cut quite a bit too, after getting a straight fold, then the rest of the fabric is askew. Even after I rip the fabric, it can be a bit off. This is not inexpensive fabric by the way.