The way I learned in Homeec is to pull a thread across the grain, and cut along this thread. This gives you a true edge. Then when you place the fabric down smooth (selvedges together) if that edge is not lined up (the selveges) on the end, you need to stretch the fabric on the bias all the way down until it is straight. This way there is no distortion. Now since I have been making quilts and my pieces are so small, not a problem, however if you are making borders, can be a problem if the weave is off.

I do on extra-wide fabrics. I've found that on standard 42"/44" fabric, I can pretty well manage to straighten the grain by lining up selvedges and shifting side-to-side to find a good fold. With extra-wide fabric, it's really just easier to rip it. I also prefer to rip if I need long strips. And sometimes I'll rip when I've having an aggravating day. ;)

The reason why this works is becuase when you rip the fabric it will rip along a thread line. That will give you the straight line you are looking for, it won't necessarily and often doesn't follow the pattern line printed on the fabric. When you cut the fabric you cut through any threads weather they follow the same line or not. It's all about the weave of the fabric.

Hope that made sense and didn't confuse you more!

Rarely do I rip the whole piece, but I do Pull a Thread, find the true line of the Warp, and then cut, with either scissors or my Rotary Blade. When I have a really big piece, like 8 yards of muslin, and want two yards, then I would rip just for quickness.

Trying to understand this- so, for instance, when I make the backing for my quilt, instead of cutting, cutting, cutting with my rotary cutter, I could just rip the whole thing down the length of it?? I understand that it would rip along the thread line, I'd just be so worried that I'd be distorting the fabric by stretching it...

I never even heard of ripping fabric- I'm already learning so much on this board!

I have heard of ripping from selvedge to selvedge to straighten the grain line. But it sounds like some of you rip the fabric lengthwise also. Am I reading correctly? This would make 'cutting' the borders easier. Do you tear just slightly bigger than what you need, to allow for the 'fringe' that results from the tear?

Sorry to hijack this post!

years ago, no stores cut fabric. the edge was clipped and then the fabric ripped - straight of grain every time. i hate the way some shops cut the fabric on their grid, and don't give you an extra 1/4 inch either, btw. then, when you get home and wash that fabric, it will straighten up and you are left with angular pieces on each end. that's why i always buy extra fabric and consider it part of the cost of the item i am making.

Yes! I remember this! Sounds much better to pull one thread than rip an entire side! I'll try this instead.

I do for large pieces only. Then I fold it double on the grain before cutting.

I had a FQ that 'bowed' after washing. When I laid it down on the grid of my cutting board one corner was about 4" higher than the one 18" away.

As said above the fabric, is sometimes distorted when put on the bolt. It can be full of sizing and seems absolutely perfect while sewing with it. The trouble shows up after it's been washed and relaxes back to it's originally woven state.

Some unexplained ripples are because of this. If you're lucky you can quilt it out. If not it might just look a bit homemade no matter what you try to do.

If you've made a garment, the side seams may hang crooked and there is nothing you can do to correct it other than cut it down alot for a child or add to your quilt stash.