cut for me---- tearing distorts the edges stretching them at least with my attempts.

I grew up with torn fabric, so I don't mind it. If it was cut very crooked, I will tear it at home to straighten it. The secret is a quick steady tear, a hesitation and slow tear will distort the fabric. It just takes a little practice.

torn

vote for torn for the big backing pieces. I tear my selvages off at home to. For yardage, I perfer cut.

Rip it.

Sorry, everyone, but one shop I go to occasionally tears everything except fat quarters and I HATE it. So, I don't want anyhting torn.

I always tear my fabric. Tearing for me.

I prefer torn - backings and yardage.

Question: how does tearing straighten the fabric? I'm obviously new to all this. I didn't even know backing material was different.

I never knew about tearing! I have learned so much on this Board since I have joined.

Jenny M...do you use the Moda muslin for backing? Have you ever used it for background fabric for appliqué blocks? I just bought some Kaufman Kona cotton for my appliqué background to try.