Jingle

I never tear fabric, stores use to tear it. I was sewing clothing then. I cut strips for borders and piece. To each his own.

imnywoman

That's so funny. Love that fabric btw.

NikkiLu

My youngest DD took Home Ec in high school and they did some cooking and then the next semester the teacher asked the girls if they wanted to sew clothes or quilts and they decided on quilts - they only wear T-shirts and jeans. So, each girl had to buy enough fabric for a quilt top. Even though I had a room full of fabric, my DD wanted to "buy" some at the store, so I let her buy it and she made a really nice quilt and the next year she made two quilt tops in Home Ec. One was for her boyfriend. I had all of them quilted for her/his graduation.

nancia

tearing fabric gives you a straight grain. i tear nearly all my fabric.

bearisgray

I will tear fabric IF - and only IF - I have 'lots' of fabric.

When I look closely, I can almost always see 'stress' along the edges of the tear - and sometimes that goes an inch or more away from the torn edge.

GailG

Haven't read the whole thread but just wanted to add my two cents: I love ripping fabric. The last piece I ripped was very surprising (must have been a good quality fabric). The edges were perfectly squared when I was done. I usually mostly rip for borders on the straight grain (following the selvege).