First thing I do is make sure my fabric threads are perpendicular to each other. A lot of time fabric is distorted when processed or wound on the bolts, then when it is cut the ends are uneven. After fabric is washed or gotten wet when starched, it will revert to its "natural" form. Also, I have learned to make sure that designs are printed on-grain. When they are printed off-grain, no amount of tugging is going to get the design on-grain. This is usually most noticeable with panels.
The cuts that are made by the sales associates are perpendicular to the selvages at the store. Off-grain fabric will frequently "straighten" itself while it is being washed and dried. Then the ends are no longer "even" and trying to line them up is - in my opinion - a non-productive exercise in futility and frustration.
Some people will tear an end to make sure the end is "straight."
Because I usually have more time than money, I will pull a thread to find the width of fabric grain-line. Then I will very carefully cut along the line that is made by the missing thread.
Only after I have made sure that my ends are on-grain, will I try to do the folding for cutting.
Tearing is traumatic to the fabric. I will tear when I am using chunks of fabric and/or when I will be having at least 1/2 inch seam allowances. Not when I have a limited amount of fabric and I am trying to eke out the necessary pieces.
Grain lines matter to me. Some people don't care.
Last edited by bearisgray; 11-07-2021 at 11:34 AM.