what do you mean by thread snob? Only 100% cotton?

My mother and I ran a custom drapery business since 1969. She has since retired and I sure don't want to do it anymore! Anyway, that is how we cut our drapery fabrics. But some fabrics are woven so tightly that you absolutely can't pull a thread. Sometimes if it just pulls enough to slightly pucker you can do it but usually we would have to just draw a line and cut on the line for the woven cotton fabrics. Hope this helps!

Ya and only cotton and most espensive!

yep, that's the way I was taught too.

Oh thanks everyone for the tips! I heard of it but was never really sure how to do it. I'll give it a try

I knew that 'trick from years ago. Just wish I'd remembered it when I was struggling so much trying to make a whole bunch of shear window panels!!

OK I admit I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer lately but somehow I never learned this....are you pulling threads parallel to selvedge or crosswise?

I do this mostly when I work with linene as it is always easy to pull it all the way out with the linen I use.

Rachel

I learn the neatest things when I read these messages, it's kind of like a quilting class every morning! Love it.

I was taught to rip to get the straight edge. Just cut a clip where you want the edge and pull each side to rip the length of the fabric. Then lay your straight edge ruler along the straight edge dand cut off a aprox 1/4 inch. You have a straight edge which will be absolutly on the straight of the grain.