torn as long as it's torn at both ends. that is the only way to guarantee that it is square if you can get my meaning.

Torn always my choose.

I vote for torn!

When I worked at a quilt shop, we always tore backing. I pefer it that way especially after seeing the first tearing.

I feel like tearing stresses the fabric more than cutting so would not chose it. It seems to warp it to me. I'm new to this so I'll be reading others' posts to learn more.

I like to tear my backings. That way, I have at least a chance of getting it straight.

I would say torn because backing fabric is sometime a little off. I prewash my backing before I square up but I think every quilter has their own way of dealing with wonky fabric.

Torn for me!

List me in the cut column. :-D

I prefer torn because once I get fabric home, I tear top and bottom, then wash, dry and iron with starch and this will usually straighten out any warping issues, but it cannot fix any printing issues, especially VIP and Cranston prints. Some are so beautiful, but very crooked!

If you do the tearing, then I don't have to lose some of my fabric.

Diane