Over all the time that I have read and posted here, I have found there are many quilters, some new, who have questions, better answered by an experienced quilter and seamstress.

If you truly want to learn the correct way, go here.

http://judymartin.com/

I know there are so many books on the market with so many talented artist in their design but even so, most of them, are not teaching you the correct way. if the instructions says cut on the crossgrain to make your strips, that is a glue right there that they are using methods from the caravan days lol.

Learn the facts about fabric etc. and then do as you please. I have seen enough questions here to merit this post.

Just go read and have a wonderful learning experience and then buy one of her books and they are all alike with stuff you need to know.

We all quilt at our own style and that is fine but it always helps to get the groundwork under you belt, if you are so inclined.

There is no one correct way to do anything.

wow, that was interesting. I don't think I totally understand it, but bookmarked her website and will go back. So far I haven't had any trouble with strips cut the other way, but then again, I haven't tried anything very intricate either.

Probably, but there is frequently a "better/easier/more economical/skilled" way, and that is what Roshyf was sharing.
She wasn't bashing anyone. Was it the unfortunate choice of the word "correct" that bothered you?

I personally think her suggestion -- made to NEW, untrained quilters -- is quite a valid one and might save a lot of time, waste, frustration, and yes, even heartache for those who follow up on it.

Jan in VA

knowledge is power....thanks for the info

Very interesting indeed! I never would have thought to cut lengthwise, I shall give it a try! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the website link. I am always trying to find an easier, faster method to improve my quilting.

I've heard that it's better to cut lengthwise and I understand why. But I usually have less than a yard of fabric to work with and don't really want shorter strips so I cut width wise. It works for me so far. I think it's still okay for people to ask questions here though.

I do agree that there is no "correct" way. It might be the "better" way though.

I don't always apply the proper rules when sewing, but I try to stay informed and am eager to learn more info whenever I can.

..it's kinda like dieting, I know what I should and shouldn't eat, but I don't always follow the plan...lol

They both give you results, but the results will vary.

Same here. :thumbup:

Thank you Jan, that is what I meant. It's just information for those who need it or want more.

Here is a good example of cutting on the straight of grain. Try it. Cut accross the grain and make a log cabin block, now cut with the grain and make the same block. You will find the the cross grain block graps the strips in and the block is sorta curvy, while the staight of grain is perfect or almost lol. If you cut your borders accross the grain, you will have to do a lot of easing as they stretch.

The saying was, at the time I started to quilt and took classes...that to cut accross the grain would give you more and it was economical. As a seamstress from way back, I knew that was wrong. I did the class and went home and did it again on the straight. It didn't save any fabric what-so-ever. I like to keep an open mind on things and will try everything once and then go on from there. We are always learning and we can never learn all of it. There is always something new for us to discover.

You know, I'm going to try it. I never thought about it but even with long strips, I end up cutting them down anyway. On my next project I will give it a try. thank you!

btw when I do cut strips from fat quarters I cut them across the 18" side so it's the lengthwise grain.

The moon does affect me so ignore me if you want to lol....I can't resist, so here goes.

The right way or the correct way, same difference. If One were working at a Nuclear Plant and One's job was to pour a certain liquid into a funnel sticking out of a tube and this was the correct way to do that....and One decided to take the funnel off and just pour into the tube as there was no correct way to do things, and all the liquid spilled all over the place....oh what have you done? hahahahahhaah

Just curious...how do you keep track of the grain when you're cutting squares?

Trying to keep track of the grain and make sure it all runs the same way pretty much runs into obsessive-compulsive territory for me.

I only kick myself for not thinking of this from my garment sewing days. Wish I had read this post before I cut the fabric for my last quilt on the cross grain. At least I will know in the future.
Thanks for the post.

I usually just pull it one way or the other if I need to....the straight of grain won't budge.

Do you starch your fabric?

Funny, but I don't think you can compare nuclear liquid with fabric and quilts. lol.

Thanks you so much Rosyhf. I always enjoy learning as I'm new to quilting. I used to make all my clothes and I know how important not cutting on the cross grain is in most situations with garments.

Thanks for the info

Thanks for the link!

Yes sometimes I do, after I cut my patches and sew them together, I spray starch the block and block it..I don't spray before I cut, but do iron my fabric before cutting....

Why don't you starch your fabric before cutting? (Hope you don't mind all my questions. LOL)

Because most of the time it's not necessary. I use quilter's cottons and they have a nice hand, all that is needed is ironing after the washing.

Thanks for your explanation, Rosyhf. :)

Keeping track of strait of grain is not so much of an issue if you are strip piecing the strips. Which is a pleasure to do, when one cuts nice straight strips in the first place.

I learned rotary cutting from a Judy Martin class, and I've used her techniques for a long time. I also ignore them, when it suits me. But I agree -- it's a good thing to know the "rules" and rationale behind them. Then, if you choose to do otherwise, it's an informed choice.

This however, has not been a popular mindset around here. <ahem> Watch out, or you will be called disturbing and forward.

RST

Oh goodness hahahahahah....

I have to share this. I'm sure some will think it's heresy but that's ok. ;)
Just don't throw rocks at me. :):):)
The other day I was cutting strips along the grain and I decided to fold
my fabric selvage to selvage then cut my strips from the middle out.
It could not have been straighter than that and the rotary cutting was a
lot easier. Like cutting through butter. My blade was not even new.
NOTE: I was cutting 2.5" strips but the first strip on the fold I cut a little
more - probably 2.75" so I could trim it easily. I pre-starched my fabric
as usual. I'm not sure if/how it would work for anything less than a yard.
One yard at a time seems to work for me. Maybe I got lucky and the grain
was perfectly straight. Might not work so well if the grain is not straight.

Has anyone else done this? :D