Need Small Piece from 1-4 yard piece, do you press and find straight of grain?
 

I have several quilts planned that call for layer cake or 7x7 squares. I want to use a fabric collection I have purchased about 15 to 20 different prints in 1 to 4 yard pieces. I will only need two 10x10 squares from 15 different fabrics.

Would you press all your fabric, find straight of grain and then cut the 2 10x10 squares? Or, in this situation, would you just straighten the outter edge and cut a 10 inch WOF?

I'd do the latter.

I would cut off an 11 inch wof piece and then iron with Best Press and then cut my 10 inch square.

I would open the fabric up and only cut 2 -10 by 10's out of each fabric.. I might need the rest for something different.

I would cut an 11 or 12 inch strip, starch then cut my 2 10" squares.

I am confused.

Do you need 10 x 10 squares?

Or do you need 7x7 squares cut from 10x10 squares?

Did you wash your fabrics yet? After washing and drying, one can see that some fabrics were not cut on the crosswise grain.

Whichever - I would tear the needed width plus one inch from each of the fabrics (If I needed 7x7 squares, I would measure 8 inches from the end and tear). Then I would press (and starch/size - if that's what you do) each of the widths and cut from those wide strips.

If I was in serious OCD mode, I would pull a thread to straighten the ends and then cut along that line.

But if I have "plenty" of fabric, I would probably tear the needed amount off the longer lengths. I do like to leave a bit "extra" for the first tear - sometimes the fabric is cut way off grain - tearing also causes some trauma to the torn edges - sometimes only 1/4 inch or so - sometimes up to an inch.

I'm not THAT into ironing/pressing!!

This is what I would do too.

I would straighten as best as you can. The fabric may be reasonably straight off the bolt and then it might not be. I have had some really crooked fabric. But as suggested. I would only cut the squares from one end and not straighten the entire length. This would be a more economical use of the fabric especially if it is very off grain. Cjecl the end of the strip to see how much off/on grain it is and if you will have enough to get the straight 10" cut.
I think I am rattling here but hope you can understand what I am saying.

I cut a piece from the outside (selvege) a little larger than needed, then press and square it up to the desired size. This way I've not cut extra fabric and I'm left with the folded portion still intact with the remaining fabric.

Question:

Are these fabrics washed or not washed?

After a fabric is washed, I usually don't even bother to try to "straighten it" anymore.

If I were cutting these squares from my fabrics, I would iron/press only what I needed, and then cut off the exact pieces I need for my project.

I like to leave my large pieces as large as possible.