probles

I have seen it done in two difference quilt stores recently. I about had a heart attack when I saw it done. It can really warp the fabric. When I got to the cutting point, I asked them to cut it with a rotary and was told they do not use it. I then asked if they would at least use scissors. She was not happy, but she did it for me.

This was in the San Francisco bay area in a very large and well know quilt store. Surprising.

NMitchell

Hi,

I am returning to sewing after my high school days in home Ec. and I for the life on me can not remember how you tell the difference between the salvage edge and the bias. Can anyone help me?

sewmary

The selvege are the "finished" sides - one usually is printed with manufacturer and other info.

The true bias is a 45 degree angle going across from selvege to selvege (or fold).

The selvege should always be cut off and not included in piecing - it has no "give" and will behave differently than the rest of the cut.

The bias is the stretchy-est part of the fabric and should be handled and sewn carefully so as not to stretch it in sewing or cutting. When you cut triangles, one edge at least is on the bias. Starching fabrics helps control the bias.

barbo117

My mom was a seamstress all of her life and that is the way she "cut" fabric. I also remember her pulling a thread to straighten an edge and then cutting on that tiny line the pulled thread had made. I have to admit that from time to time I will "rip" my fabric, seems to work better on the less expensive fabrics. I also had forgotten about that little machine that sat on the counter that would measure out your cuts. Wow, the good old days!

fixfido

I agree! So many times you end up with less useable fabric than you paid for because it wasn't cut straight!

loves_2_quilt

Yes I remember that. You could get fabric just about anywhere, JC Penny, CR Anthonys, and MANY fabric stores in my small community.

fmhall2

Oh yes, I remember fabric at J.C.Penny's very well. Also Sears.

auntmag

When fabric is torn, it tears on the true grain and the small amount of warping is a lot less than trying to even it up after it has been cut wonky.

johanka

I remember that. My mom shopped J.C.Penny's all the time for material.

ckcowl

you might be surprised to find out how many places still tear the fabric instead of cutting! every now & then someone gets on here- upset because they went to a (new to them) shop and their fabric was torn---there are probably an equal number of shops that tear, cut with scissors & cut with rotory cutter---all 3 techniques can be found all across the country-
freaks people out once in a while-