Which way is lengthwise?

Instead of cutting strips toward the selvage edges you cut strips along the whole length of the fabric parallel to the selvage edge.

Same here. I'm a ripper, ripping off a little more and trimming off the fringes.

bearisgray, "lengthwise" follows the selvege.

Okay, piddled around playing Bookworm on the internet for awhile as I always do when confronted with a new and skeery task. Then I laid out my fabric. It was printed really straight but I took a deep breath and ripped the selvage edge off. It wasn't too furry and looked straight so I pressed it, measured out my borders and cut them one at a time. I did rip again to straighten for the last one just in case. Hopefully once I cut them to the length I need and attach them I won't have any leaners. Thanks for all of your suggestions!

I meant - which way did the pattern direction go on the illustrated fabric - which would affect the design choice - and the way the person would cut the fabric.