Is there a right way to cut sashing and borders? Do you cut them across the material or lengthwise. Sashings are narrow so can they can be cut crosswise since strength doesn't matter?. If you're doing a wide border should it be cut lengthwise so it's stronger? Would long arm versus hand quilting matter. Long arm seems to be a lot stronger and hand quilting seems more fragile. I'm confused about this and would like to know what you do.

I cut sashing strips across the grain for the reason you give -- they are short.

Whenever possible, I like to cut borders along the lengthwise grain because that grain is more stable. It's not the width of the border that makes this desirable so much as it is the length of the border; there is more chance for distortion in a longer length.

Also, strength really isn't the issue with cutting crossgrain vs lengthwise grain. It is the stretchiness of the grain. Crossgrain stretches more than lengthwise grain.

I think all of this holds true no matter what method of quilting is used.

It depends on how much fabric I have and if I remember to plan ahead. Usually, I don't (plan ahead) and end up piecing my borders. My sashing is generally set with corner stones, so it doesn't matter how it's cut.

it depends on the project- normally i cut sashing strips cross ways- just because it's easier-
when i have enough fabric i prefer to cut wide borders lengthwise- so i don't have to piece them- it's not always possible- it just depends on the project- and how much fabric i'm working with

I just cut normal strips...but I don't do anything too professional..just fun quilts.

Actually, the narrower the border the more it has the possibility of 'wobbling" and shifting. If I'm cutting a narrow border or long narrow sashing I'll try to cut it lengthwise, even if I have to piece it (pieced narrow borders are less visible than wide narrow borders - especially with prints). Smaller cross sashing I'll cut across the width, ditto if the border is wide. However, if it's a wide printed border I'll try to cut it lengthwise to avoid matching the print in piecing.

I consider a narrow border 3" or less.

Sashing I cut either wof or on the lengthwise grain -- depends on the fabric. I always try to do borders lengthwise. That said, if I am using a striped border I usually have to use wof. As has been said before, the lengthwise grain is less stretchy and you want the outside of the quilt to be as stable as possible.

Whenever possible I cut lengthwise. Prefer the stability.