DOTTYMO

I hope your fabric is non directional. If it is watch how you join the sections together. I would hate you to machine trim and press the find one is wrong. Good luck. After the first time it's easier.

DawnFurlong

That is what I am afraid of happening! That I won't recognize if this is a time not to rip, or that I will ruin my fabric such that I then don't have enough for my backing.

DawnFurlong

My fabric is non-directional, so that removes that concern.

rryder

If you are ripping parallel to the selvage then you are ripping with the grain, not across the grain.

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Reba'squilts

This thread is quite a learning experience. I have a very large piece of fabric that I need to incorporate into the two tops I just finished. I now have a direction to go in!! Thanks for everyone's input!

quilttiger

Most of my backings are pieced, to take advantage of leftover fabrics from the projects. I cut or rip depending on the project. My favorite thing to do is use the serger to serge large pieces together. They make nice, uniform seams for the back, and they have not created any problems when I quilt on my frame. Also, I leave the selvages alone if they are on the outside edges, and they will be cut off anyway during the squaring off.

AZ Jane

Try to think of it as (cross grain) across the WOF VS (length of grain) along the length of fabric (yardage). Visually that might help.

tessagin

Not a ripper. BAd experience with non-directional fabric.

todiesmom

I like ripping off large pieces then starching and ironing before I cut anything. Ripping gives a very straight line to begin with...In your case, I would rip a small portion 2 or 3 inches off of one end and then work from that straight line to cut or rip your pieces. If you iron each piece after you rip it off you will get a better measurement to cut (I would allow a few inches extra for error on each rip.) Hope this helps...it is sort of like the measure twice rule...would not try to get an exact measurement on each rip.

Jennifer23

Colorfulom gave you excellent instructions. Follow her advice and don't worry - it will be fine.