2 1/2 inch strips. What if...
 

I cut them the length of the fabric rather than the width of the fabric? I have a lot of scraps from backings, etc., that I would like to use for making my own jelly rolls, but some of these are from along the side of the fabric. Could this cause a problem? I know jelly rolls you buy are cut wof, but that is usually the most convenient way to cut.

Actually the fabric is stronger if cut lof! It won't hurt a thing.

It'll work fine. Go for it. Always good to use up what we have.

I always cut my borders on the length of fabric, so piecing is no different.

I always cut jelly rolls the length if the stripe is printed the length of the fabric. Or if the pattern is printed in a way that the pattern would be more attractive

Makes sense to me!! :-)

I never thought of that. It is a really good idea especially if the fabric is stronger that way. I'm going to have to try it next time I need strips.

Use what you have!!!!!!

Thanks everyone! I'll get busy cutting!

I use to cut borders LOF, decided I couldn't see a difference. Now I cut WOF.
2-1/2" strips could be cut either way, doubt you will be able to tell, unless there is a one way design. I really don't pay any attention to the grain when making quilts.

Uh oh, better run..."here comes the fuzz..." (quilt fuzz/police) LOL. I just couldn't resist. Carry on...

"Railroading" the fabric is great as long as you don't need to "fudge" any place. There isn't as much give to the weave in that direction, so as long as you keep that in mind, and if you do that 1600 Race pattern it wouldn't matter.

It will be just fine to cut LOF. It is less likely to stretch when it is cut that way. WOF is a bit more stretchy and therefore can cause problems if you're not careful. So go ahead - you'll have great strips! :-)

I know were the Quilt Fuzz is....hiding in bobbin area and under the needle plate !!!!!!!

Either way is fine. The precuts are WOF, but I also tend to cut borders LOF, if possible (less sewing), and as someone else, depending on the print.

I cut my fabric LOF and WOF depending on my left overs.

I hadn't thought of it either. Will definitely remember this.

I knew it! (I've seen them there myself!)

I have a questions about these strips that you buy on a jelly roll. Could you sew 5 or 6 together, then cut on the 45 degree angle and fit them together to make a lone star block? My mind says it can work but I can't figure out how to make it reality. I want to make a lone star quilt but I am intimidated by the bias etc.

You'll get less stretch that way, so it's the best way to go.

I use Length of Fabric (LOF) whenever I can to reduce stretching.

If it works for you go for it!

Yes, you can do that. As a matter of fact some patterns tell you to do that. They even stagger the strips, so you don't waste it. Make sure that you have a staggered set to the right and to the left, so you can make pairs.

There used to be a pattern for a strip pieced Lone Star, very simple, it was the second quilt I ever made (it was at a workshop so I had plenty of help if I needed it). It might have been by Eleanor Burns because we also did her strip pieced Trip Around the World. Just did a Google search for Strip Pieced Lone Star and found these directions. http://www.angelfire.com/va3/jclane/.../LoneStar.html