I do like the idea of no seams in my borders, but how do you cut long narrow borders,the length of the fabric, keeping them straight. Are there any words of wisdom? Thanks, Cindy

Grandma Cindy. I will tell you, but this usually causes a discussion. Ok, first of all I have been quilting for almost 30 years. For my back and borders I tear the length wise grain of the fabric. I straighten the edge and measure over, make a very little cut 1/2 inch and tear. It is accurate and works every time. You will have a couple of long strings, just press after you tear. If you have any doubt tear on a smaller piece first.

Debbie Caffery suggests tearing also.

When you tear, how do you handle the stretched edges? or am I tearing wrong?

I use a 48" t-square that I stole from my husband!!! Less folding of the material. See if you know someone you could steal, I mean borrow, one from!! :lol: :lol: I put the "T" part against the edge of the table and it keeps it secure enough for me to use my rotary cutter and zip.

If you tear length wise of the grain and not cross grain which is selvage to selvage, there should be no stretching. Just tear not rip and then press. It doesn't distort length wise at all or stretch the fabric.

I hate to say this but "Trust me" :lol: :shock: :roll: ;) :thumbup:

Thanks I may have to try that.

Does it matter if I leave the selvage on and then tear, then trim the selvage off? Does tear mean a slow rip? Tearing sounds to much easier than folding and cutting such a long piece of fabric accurately.I have not seen either done. I have always pieced my borders. Thank you for your responses, Cindy

Don't tear selvage to selvage, you are tearing the length I would tear the selvage on one side to get a straight edge, leaving one side still having selvage. I try to leave on the one with info, just in case I ever need more fabric. The selvage is really not that straight. So make a little cut just past one edge where you have selvage and tear, that will give you your first straight edge and then measure your border width from that first torn straight edge and start tearing your borders. Sometimes it is less than 1/2" depends on how wide your selvage is. Or you can tear a piece large enough and include the selvage and then measure from your straight torn edge to get the width you need not including the selvage. I would tear the selvage rather than trim. I hope this makes sense.

I actually thinks tearing sound better than ripping, You don't have to tear it too slow, just gently. :lol: :thumbup:

I fold the fabric to a managable "length" making sure it's on the grain then use my rotary ruler.. I haven't had any problems so far.