I prefer my fabric torn rather than cut. You loose so much if cut, but when torn...if torn every time...the fabric comes off the bolt straight and you actually have less waste than when cut. I am a garment sewer, and always want my fabric on the straight of grain before I cut it for quilting, so that is the reason for the waste when cut. The fabric is rolled onto the bolt at an angle, therefore, then cut it is also at an angle...and off grain. When torn, it will tear almost always on the straight of the grain if it is 100% cotton. I buy muslin by the bolt and always tear it off as I need it, and it is always on the straght of grain with less waste.