A lot of flannelette will still skew after washing even if it is ripped. So you have the straight of grain but you can't cut a straight strip if you fold the fabric selvedge to selvedge. So what is the benefit?? I also have found that many current cottons--especially Kona-- will ravel excessively if they are on the grain. I actually have started to cut them slightly off the grain as long as it does not interfere with the pattern, if there is one. I wish someone could tell me why I need my 3 inch square to be 'on the grain' and also why it is so important to have my sashing or borders 'on the grain' instead of just straight.