My part time job is in the fabric department of a local craft store. We cut all fabrics except Chiffon and Poly satin. We rip these because when these fabrics are on the bolts the ends are never even so by ripping these fabrics you establish an "Straight line" which you would not get by cutting. I was given this information by both of my senior co-workers who have many years experience working with fabrics. Hope this information helps.