Once mine is tore and on the straight of grain I then proceed to use my rotary cutter and dont have any problems

It may look messy but it does assure you that the fabric is on the straight of grain. I like it.

It will straighten out and be fine to rotary cut. When we say large pieces should be torn, we are referring to wide backings, etc.

In your case, once it is torn, pre=washed, etc., just fold so the torn edges and selvedges line up, press (not iron)before using and you will be fine.

I don't shop at stored anymore that tears fabric. I bought alot of FQS to make a quilted jacket. WHen I got home I measured the fabric and they weren't even close to a FQ. Needless to say I wasn't very happy. After a few conversations they took it back and CUT new ones. You can ask them to cut your fabric and they should do that for you. That was my experience with tearing fabric.

I prefer my fabric torn rather than cut. You loose so much if cut, but when torn...if torn every time...the fabric comes off the bolt straight and you actually have less waste than when cut. I am a garment sewer, and always want my fabric on the straight of grain before I cut it for quilting, so that is the reason for the waste when cut. The fabric is rolled onto the bolt at an angle, therefore, then cut it is also at an angle...and off grain. When torn, it will tear almost always on the straight of the grain if it is 100% cotton. I buy muslin by the bolt and always tear it off as I need it, and it is always on the straght of grain with less waste.

Sounds like they just shorted you, cut or torn.

It's true that you should be able to ask someone to cut fabric for you. But I wouldn't advise the opposite: I far prefer them to tear but only if they know how. For instance, I would NEVER, EVER ask someone at Joanne's to tear for me. Between them potentially not knowing how and not having great fabric, talk about a potential mess!

Very interesting!!! Thank you.

I have never seen it done this way. I would ask the sales person to please cut it for me, if she refused I would not purchase the fabric. To me if I want to rip, which I do on backings, I prefer to do it my self.

I agree they often don't train people well. Although I have been waited on by people who have been trained and still don't do it right. One department manager kept a note on monks cloth stating that anyone who hadn't been to the training session on how to cut monks cloth were not to touch it. A thread must be pulled in order for it to be cut accurately. I had to stop one employee because she was cutting it like 100% cotton. I was patient with her and explained how to do it correctly. She apologised for her mistake and thanked me for my help. The department manager came up to the counter while I was explaining the correct process and she wasn't pleased with the associate. Wal-Marts in our area no longer carry fabrics or patterns. I'm not happy about that. I used to get some very nice and good quality fabric there and the patterns were always 50% off.

I would absolutely prefer ripping to cutting. When you rip it "rips" on the straight grain. I have lost as much as 4-5 inches when they cut it because it was put onto the bolt crooked and when you try to straighten it you lose fabric. Another thing that just irks me is when the manufacturer decides he needs more room to advertise and makes the selvege double wide.