I made a log cabin quilt with ripped strips. It came out very well. The biggest problem I have with ripped is the fraying.

I always ripped before rotary cutting.
I always rip my fabric before running it through the pleater for English Smocking, it is always straight & goes through the pleater correctly, if I try cutting it I have a horrible time getting it through the pleater.
I believe I will start tearing my long border strips again after this discussion.
Jo

I'm really glad to read all this. I remember my grandma and mom biting and tearing fabric, too, and thought that was just never done anymore. But I recently had some fabric that I just couldn't cut straight because of the print, so I ripped it, and felt really guilty about it. But it worked out better for me. I also couldn't figure out how to cut very large pieces or lengths, and went ahead and ripped, and it wasn't so bad.

That's what I do. I wouldn't want to use fabric that has been ripped selvedge to selvedge unless I first cut off at least 2 inches of it. Years ago I read an article in QNM. A quilter took a look at the ripped edges of her fabric under the microscope and found damaged fibers up to 2 inches from the rip. She created heirloom quilts, so she then took all of her ripped fabric and cut off 2 inches from the ripped edges.

I don't have as much of a problem with ripping fabric lengthwise because of the increased stability of the weave. I don't have a problem with folding and cutting long borders lengthwise, though, so I haven't actually resorted to doing this. I'd probably do it for a king-size quilt.

The stores I go to cut - some with scissors and some with rotary blades. I decided to rip the long borders recently, and I was fighting with the strings forever. So I think I'll stick to cutting.

One of mine does, and my sis recently asked would she please cut it, and she very nicely did. I will ask next time, because I cringe too. I also do not like all the strings it leaves.

My LQS used to rip the fabric, but when the store changed hands, the new owner found that all the fabric fibers in the air from ripping aggravated her allergies, so they started cutting.

When I buy fabric they always
cut it, instead of tearing it. I
haven't seen anyone tear their
fabric in years!!
:D :D :D :D

I like a nice smooth edge and tearing leaves a small amount of ugly torn threads.

Where could I find the pattern for the Baseball quilt? My grandson would love to have one to take to college with him. It fits his life perfectly. i am a fairly new quilter and but am already loving it.