What does Across the fabric mean?
 

I'm reading this pattern and it says to cut strips "across fabric". Does that mean lengthwise along the selvage or crosswise? And if its sashing and border, why would I do that? Dont I want it more with the grain usually? The pattern called for 1 1/2 yards.

cross the selvage, not lengthwise.

Thanks mmunchkins!

A crosswise cut will have a bit more stretch to it, whereas a lengthwise cut has no 'give' at all.

Thanks! The pattern is from a quilter in Australia. I went with crosswise and the fabric will be black.. she just emailed me that she just puts it together very accurately and itll be fine.... Its a stained glass lap quilt, just lovely. Saw it on etsy. Sewforfunaustralia. Rather unique, lots of cutting, o my lordie, I'm so excited! I'm using Vincent's garden 10" and other batiks in my stash.
But I had to escape triangles and logcabins for a while and plan to quilt one 15" block at a time.. My next 2 quilts are all triangles and I tend to wobble my 1/4 " seams with them. My machine is very jumpy. A girl's gotta make due with what shes got!