Ripped My Border Strips But Still Got Curves! Why?
02-17-2012, 09:45 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Leesburg, Florida
Posts: 817
The fabric probably stretched at that point. Wet it and press it straight. Ripping should give straight of the grain lines, but sometimes the fabric will stretch. Best to rip across the fabric rather than down, but at least it was done quickly. I'm sure you can fix this when you get ready to sew the borders on.
Originally Posted by wishfulthinking
After reading through some posts on the board, I decided to try ripping my long border strips. Ripped down the long selvedge edge and I really liked the results...except that so far, two out of six have a slight but distinct curve at each end. Ever had this happen? Is it something I did during the ripping process? I'd sure appreciate some input on this. I was really excited about doing it this way cause it sure seems like I can't cut through more than one fold without getting the dreaded "V." Thanks!
02-17-2012, 01:06 PM
#32
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I have ripped the border strips down the long selvedge edge and it worked well, except maybe for the threads. However, you also need to measure down the middle of the quilt and make sure that both borders wind up with that measurements. I often measure the middle of the quilt, then pin the ends, middle and in between for the border and it seems to work well. Just a suggestion.
02-17-2012, 08:44 PM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Madison Heights, MI
Posts: 1,069
Originally Posted by wishfulthinking
After reading through some posts on the board, I decided to try ripping my long border strips. Ripped down the long selvedge edge and I really liked the results...except that so far, two out of six have a slight but distinct curve at each end. Ever had this happen? Is it something I did during the ripping process? I'd sure appreciate some input on this. I was really excited about doing it this way cause it sure seems like I can't cut through more than one fold without getting the dreaded "V." Thanks!
02-17-2012, 09:04 PM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Littlefield, TX, USA
Posts: 1,077
Press the strips...mist with water or spray starch...they will straighten out. I rip all the time.
Always press as you go when making a quilt, or even when making clothing...you get a much neater finish.
Marge C
Always press as you go when making a quilt, or even when making clothing...you get a much neater finish.
Marge C
Originally Posted by wishfulthinking
After reading through some posts on the board, I decided to try ripping my long border strips. Ripped down the long selvedge edge and I really liked the results...except that so far, two out of six have a slight but distinct curve at each end. Ever had this happen? Is it something I did during the ripping process? I'd sure appreciate some input on this. I was really excited about doing it this way cause it sure seems like I can't cut through more than one fold without getting the dreaded "V." Thanks!
02-18-2012, 04:24 PM
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Boston
Posts: 225
Before rotary cutters we used to rip, but it does tend to sort of spread the fibers at each end. When I used to rip, I always made the strip about a foot longer to avoid the problem -- cut off 6 inches from each end and the curve is gone. Only works if the piece is a bit over long, however. Rotary cutters are even better than sliced bread.
02-20-2012, 06:21 AM
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,213
No more ripping for me ever. did this once, sewed the strip on, the outside edge multiplied it was a diasaster, Removed it put a different border on and recut the strips into something else. I believe it distorts the fabric. It might work for others, it may have been that particular fabric........
02-22-2012, 04:42 AM
#40
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 264
personally, being in that age group where ripping fabric was the preferred method, the fabric of the sixties and seventies was of a better quality than today's. I wouldn't try to rip fabric today, yes you get curves because of the quality of fabirc you have. Pratice cutting with a roller blade or regular shears. Use a pencil and draw a line for the width of your border and cut on the line.
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