I use the length of the fabric if I have a border print. Other wise I use the width of the fabric.

I do both...on the same quilt. I cut the side borders on the lengthwise grain and the top and bottom borders on the crosswise grain. My reason is this: once they're sewn on the quilt, the grain all runs the same way, lengthwise from top to bottom.

What it means is the stretch is all going the same way; any fabric print is all going the same way; the light reflects off the warp and weft the same way which eliminates that subtle color difference that happens when the grain direction differs; and you never pull on the stretchy crosswise grain when you pull the quilt up under your chin on a cold night (or hang it on a wall).

It's just something I started doing many years ago because it seemed to make sense to me. :o

I use the width of the fabric with no problems

The way I cut mine depends on the size of the quilt. Sometimes it makes more sense to cut it one way opposed to the other. I don't think there is a right or wrong, whatever works for you and your quilt.

Thanks, everyone. I knew it's a personal choice, but I was interested in the reasoning, especially as far as the stretch thing goes. I had a wall quilt a while back that was what I call "potato chipping," that is hanging in a wavy fashion, not flat, and someone told me it was because of the way I cut the borders. Of course other factors apply to that, too, such as the quilting. Anyway, you gave me some practical thoughts which I'll consider when I cut it. I really find cutting across to be easier, and usually cut the selvedge after I do that instead of cutting the whole selvedge down the yardage. I find that to be difficult and I throw out selvedge anyway. But I think I'll do that for this quilt. It's kind of an ugly quilt anyway, made from Blocks of the Month drawing at my guild. Mostly I want to use it to practice quilting on my Sweet 16. Then I'll give it away.

To eliminate "wavy borders" cutting the fab lengthwise is not the solution....whether cut lengthwise or crosswise it is how it is measured and sewn on that is the cause of wavy borders...and sometimes too, the piecing of the body of that top is wavy from less than careful sewing

I always cut the wof -- except when it's a 10" border, and then I hope to have enough length! Otherwise, I want to have all of my selvages on any remaining pieces. Hope this helps. Shayla

Me too!!!!!

I have done this both ways, prettymuch up to you.

I do mine crosswise unless I have lots of that fabric.