i always wanted to take wood shop but it wasn't allowed back then, in the dark ages, when we had to walk up hill both ways to school. i did decline to take home ec and took choir instead. didn't think home ec would really help since i was the oldest of 5 children and already cooked and sewed.

My mom does it - she's not a quilter, she does garments.

I'm sure it can't hurt anything, but it isn't necessary

I can't tell you how relieved I am to learn that most of you feel the whole "pulling a thread to straighten the grain" isn't necessary in quilting! Like many of you, I was taught the technique in junior high school, but that course was focused on garment making. I was so discouraged when Harriet Hargrave - my piecing/quilting teacher by way of her books - also demanded it. it adds such tedium to the prep that I almost gave up quilting right then and there!

I used do alot of drapery sewing, and ALWAYS pull thread to find the true grain, It is absolutely necessary for fine fabrics for sheer curtains.and yes, for clothing it is a must also.

I never pulled a thread, but I do pull the whole piece sometimes to straighten the grain. Things just go together better when the grain is straighter.

I can remember doing this in Home Ec. That is the last time I did this.

I don't pull although I do see where it could be helpful.

I agree with this. I do remember pulling threads years ago. I also think fabrics are made better these days then they were in the "good old days".

very insteresting subject , i can say i learned something new again( thats not unusual after reading on this site)

This is my way too!

My mother used to do this. She said she did it because of the poor quality of the material that was all they could get during the depression and the war years. That was done before the really great manufacturing processes were done here in the US. I really don't think you have to do it anymore. Most times the material comes straight from the looms, is treated with the fabric finishes, then folded, ironed, and wound onto the bolts for shipment. Never a human hand in the process. I really don't think this is necessary anymore. I never do it and I don't have problems.

some times the fabric is so wacky that if you do the pull you will loose half of the fabric when you find out this it is usualy to late to take it back to store

I don't do that but do tear to get the straght grain and some fabrics really need it.

Wish there was a way to discern grain straightness while it's still on the bolt in the store!