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TonnieLoree 05-23-2011 06:04 PM

I specifically request them to tear it if there are plaids involved. When I was working on the other side of the counter I would ask the customer their preference, and do as they asked.

justwannaquilt 05-23-2011 06:30 PM

I always tear one end of my fabric. I spray with starch, let dry, tear, then iron, it makes it so much easier to get the fabric folded with selvages together on grain. no guess work about it! Then I just trim that end off before I start cutting my pieces.

Mkotch 05-24-2011 03:00 AM

I always tear my borders along the length of the fabric in order to end up with a truly straight piece.

Mattee 05-24-2011 04:51 AM

It seems like no matter which way they do it, you lose some yardage on the end. I prefer the cut edge. I've never had a difficult time finding the straight grain on my ownwhen trimming.

Deb watkins 05-24-2011 05:02 AM

I have purchased 1 yard pieces and washed them, only to find that I lost anywhere's up to 2" as it wasn't cut on the "true". I tear my fabric at home - I have seen the hint about pulling the thread though.

lsmft 05-24-2011 05:31 AM

They rip at "Mood" in NYC!

MarthaT 05-24-2011 06:20 AM

If they start with a torn edge, measure and then tear your yardage, it seems to me you shouldn't loose anything. If it is "wonky", pull two opposite corners (diagonally across the fabric) and tug it until the threads shift and it squares up. My home ec teacher in high school taught us this. We had a real tug-of-war with some fabrics to get them to be on-grain; short, snapping tugs do better than one pull. Then you have all the treads lined up so that when you fold in half the salvages match and the ends are also even. I think it's worth the extra time for some fabric, especially plaids that are woven into the fabric and not just printed on top.

Nancy Ingham 05-24-2011 06:21 AM


Originally Posted by Maggiesmom
Have you ever bought a yard of fabric that had been cut for you and taken it home only to find it to be terribly crooked? Snip it, tear it and you will find that you really don't have a yard of fabric. I don't know how many half yards I have had cut that end up maybe only 15-16 full inches wide across the 42+ inches. My mother was a terrific seamstress. She always tore her fabric to get it straight before she cut out a pattern. That's what they did in the "olden" days.

I agree. I rather that they tear it, I always tear all my fabrics before I begin a project! :thumbup:

jaciqltznok 05-24-2011 06:27 AM


Originally Posted by dhanke
Tearing the fabric gives you a true on grain edge, but unless they give you at least a couple of inches of "fudge", you lose some fabric when you trim off the torn bit. When I need a smaller piece of fabric from a large piece in my stash I always tear it.

if they always TEAR then your fabric does not need the "FUDGE" factor..it is when one person cuts and the the next one goes to tear that you could lose some on the cut end...cutting does NOT happen on the true grain of the fabric..tearing does!

fraydknot12326 05-24-2011 06:38 AM


Originally Posted by quiltsRfun

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
That's the way they always used to do it. (In prehistoric times).

OUCH! I remember those times. But then I'm getting to be somewhat of a dinosaur. LOL

:shock: Prehistoric times~?? :shock: :mrgreen:
I hear ya on the *ouch* :lol: Well, you're not the only
dinosaur ... l'll keep you company :lol: :lol:


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