I have a scrap of cotton that was given to me and I would like to cut it into 2-2 1/2'' squares . this fabric looks like it was cut from something that had a long curve. Since the fabric is curved it is continually chainging the direction of the grain .

? is....can I still use it to make small blocks that will go into a quilt ?

You should be able to see the grain lines on the back of the fabric. Try cutting with the back side up to avoid bias sides on your blocks :D:D:D

Just in case, starch it before you cut to protect the edges.

tease a thread out to get the straight grain more visable

That's a good idea Moonpi. The easiest way to tell. Then sent your ruler parallel to it to cut on the grain.

good idea, thanks for sharing your tip with us

This works for me. One can usually see the threads from the back and line up one's template/ruler accordingly.

You can also very gently pull on the fabric. The direction that does not stretch is the lengthwise grain, 90° from that is the crosswise grain, 45° from either of those is the true bias, and anything else is just "off grain".