I just recently ripped for the first time and was amazed by how straight it was! Makes it so much easier when doing the backings!

I also tear and have never had a problem. If I don't like the way the torn edges look, I iron them.

I, too, tear the selvedge with no problem.

I tear VERY SLOWLY

I heard recently on a video clip that tearing slowly causes more distortion. I wouldn't know by experience, but just thought I'd throw that thought in there.

If you leave the selvage on, you must clip it every so often. When washed, they sometimes tighten up and you can't go back and clip.

To me the thing that works best is just tearing it. You might have some extra threads hanging about, but you know you have a straight edge by tearing. The quilt teacher in my very first quilt class that I took, told us to tear it. It was a little disconcerting at first, but it works.

Just rip it, I do it all the time

Option 1: Fold your fabric evenly and use your rotary cutter. Option 2: Put a length of your fabric (one layer) on your mat and use the rotary cutter to do the edge, moving it as necessary (just like you would trim a quilt edge prior to binding).

I rip. It feels so good!