Is this common ?
#42
I also tear my own fabric but my LQS always cuts it. If it's good material it does not get distorted, I won't tear it if the weave isn't tight. The reason I tear vs. cut is I'm usually dealing with a lot of yardage and it's just easier that way.
#43
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Tearing is better, and if you are washing your fabric when you get it home like you should, then you will have to remove the selvage edge before you wash and they make strings too!
I am old school textile industry and believe me, if you only knew how poorly the fabric is now made even at $12 a yard, you would beg them to rip to make sure you are getting it on grain!
The only exception to this is usually plaids and checks..but I have torn homespun plaid that were 100% on grain before!
Oh and on French sheers you always PULL a thread and then cut....but who uses those any more...
s for pre-washing...it is a MUST in today market place....do you know how many chemicals on that fabric just to get into this country...not to mention other dirt from assorted warehouses and transport boxes...I am by no means a germaphobe, but honestly, those chemicals are causing lots of issues with headaches, eye irritation, skin issues...it is best to be safe....
I am old school textile industry and believe me, if you only knew how poorly the fabric is now made even at $12 a yard, you would beg them to rip to make sure you are getting it on grain!
The only exception to this is usually plaids and checks..but I have torn homespun plaid that were 100% on grain before!
Oh and on French sheers you always PULL a thread and then cut....but who uses those any more...
s for pre-washing...it is a MUST in today market place....do you know how many chemicals on that fabric just to get into this country...not to mention other dirt from assorted warehouses and transport boxes...I am by no means a germaphobe, but honestly, those chemicals are causing lots of issues with headaches, eye irritation, skin issues...it is best to be safe....
#44
Originally Posted by quiltsRfun
Tearing has never been an issue with me. I'm dating myself here but I remember when they ran the fabric through a devise that measured the yardage. Then there was a lever that was pushed which made a cut so the sales person could tear off the measured length. I also remember our sewing teachers having us pull on opposite ends of the fabric to straighten the grain. The goal was to have the torn edges and the selveges line up making as close to a right angle as possible. Only then could we cut out our pattern.
#46
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Originally Posted by quiltsRfun
Tearing has never been an issue with me. I'm dating myself here but I remember when they ran the fabric through a devise that measured the yardage. Then there was a lever that was pushed which made a cut so the sales person could tear off the measured length. I also remember our sewing teachers having us pull on opposite ends of the fabric to straighten the grain. The goal was to have the torn edges and the selveges line up making as close to a right angle as possible. Only then could we cut out our pattern.
#49
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I won't go back to a store that rips the fabric. Ripping cross-grain damages the fabric fibers up to 2 inches in from the rip. The damage isn't necessarily visible to the naked eye, but shows up under a microscope. Also, I find that ripping often stretches and distorts the ripped edge.
Now, at home, I will sometimes rip a fabric along the lengthwise grainline for borders. That is not as hard on the fabric, I think, as ripping crossgrain.
Now, at home, I will sometimes rip a fabric along the lengthwise grainline for borders. That is not as hard on the fabric, I think, as ripping crossgrain.
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