I'm making a applique wall hanging and I got 3 fat quarters from Joann's for backgrounds. I was just pressing the fabric and noticed that none of the fat quarters have selvege....so when this happens, how do I know which direction to cut my background pieces?

Gently try stretching both sides with just your fingers. the selvege is tightly woven and will be less likely to stretch than the cross-grain.

Good answer about the stretch factor! Also, fat quarters are 'generally' cut 18" x 22" - the 22" going cross-grain.

I have also noticed that some of Jo-Ann's FQ's do have selvege but the selvege is the same color as the fabric. You have to look really closely..but its there :)

yes, if they are cut correctly, this is true.

And that's just one issue with buying quilting fabric at Joanne's.

What are some other issues you've had?

I find that no selvedge is more common at my local quilt shop than at joann's. Usually joann's is the same color as the fabric, but you can tell because of the little "holes" along the edge.

This is an interesting thread, thanks for starting this!

There you go. I'm learning even more from this site. Thanks for the info.