Dee Dee

I am making a quilt that will look much better with a border that is cut lengthwise to display the pretty fabric. What is the best technique to do this? Fold and cut, cut with scissors or another method? Working with fabric that is three yards long is very cumbersome to cut. Suggestions?

Peckish

I would fold the fabric, make sure the folds are square, and cut. As long as your folds are perfectly square and perpendicular to the selvedges, they will be straight and you won't get a V in your cuts.

PaperPrincess

I would rip it if it was just a print. If it had a printed stripe I would cut on an appropriate motif.

Tartan

On a long lengthwise piece of fabric I usually take my large square and my chalk marking pencil and mark down the length. I cut along this line (with a little extra for boo boos) and then I set the rest of the yardage aside. Now that the fabric is more manageable, I fold it until it will fit on my cutting board. I use my big square to cut away the selvage and re-cut the scissor cut straight and I have my border fabric.

Lori S

I fold and then pin the selvedges, carefully lining them up.. then use my rotary cutter. I have a pretty big mat and cutter so it makes it easier.
If you don't feel comfortable cutting.. rip ! But if its a border print , check to make sure the print was printed on grain.. or ripping will give yo something that looks like you had a few cocktails before you cut.

barny

I always keep the fabiric folded as it was from the store, cut the selvedges off, and just labor along the total yardage. I just take my time and do it. I also use my rotary.

mucky

I wouldn't rip as too many chances of it not working. Just fold and cut and it will be fine.

Friday1961

That's what I've done, rip borders lengthwise. I read somewhere that's the way to do it. Unless, as PaperPrincess says, the print dictates cutting it.

QuiltnLady1

For a border print, I cut through only a single layer. I am careful to cut the border edge straight as it relates to the print -- I make sure to allow for the 1/4" seam and I make sure that I cut it so all for sides are basically the same.

For other fabric, I generally rip the fabric generously wide and then trim the edges to make the smooth.

Grandma58

I would tear it, then I know it is straight.