I have never thought about polka dots being directional until I read this post, I see what she means and will now pay closer attention when working with dots, which I am completely in love with. I agree that some are printed directional and some are not.

Even though the dots are directional looking, I think I would cut them off-direction on purpose to avoid that look. I don't think I would care for the look of a border of rigid dots marching across my quilt, unless the border is wide enough to have 3 rows of the dots so it would be 2 large and one small or 2 small and 1 large. Even then, I might have second thoughts using the large dots except in an outside border where they could be at least 5 or 7 wide.

I always learn something new on the QB - today it was about dots! Never thought of them as directional but now I see it.

I just did a border with polka dots. I didn't even think about direction. It turned out just fine. I love polka dots.

You might figure out the repeat in the fabric design. Cut the same length stack them up and then cut. Drapery is lined up in the same manner before cutting.

I just made a beach quilt with a Layer Cake of asst colored polka dots, just sewed them all together never even noticed if they were directional or not. Now that I think about it what was amazing is they were all actually 10" squares every intersection matched up perfectly!

Great post...I learn something new all the time on this board. I would not even think about if directional or not...now I will when using dots. Good idea about stacking them then cut.