JulieR

I've seen several of you mention losing fabric to raveling when it is torn instead of cut. I've never experienced this. I wonder what the difference is?

grann of 6

Yes, you are then getting a true straight of the grain, but I don't like it because it stretches that part of the fabric out and you then lose about a 1/2" of fabric. I am using some Silk Dupioni and it is all torn; I have to cut that part off in order to get a nice clean edge. I would rather have mine cut even though it may not be perfectly straight.

quiltmaker

I totally agree with you. The way the fabric is put on the bolt and the sometimes carelessness of the employee cutting the fabric you can really lose a lot of fabric. Tearing for the straight of grain has been around for generations. I have rarely lost much fabric after tearing but trying to line it up straight of grain after it has been cut has cost me lots of inches. The trick is to slowly tear and not rip through the process.

patdesign

Heres my thoughts, tearing makes sure you get on grain fabric correct yardage. Personally I have lost as much as 3 to 4 inches on a cut that was cut down a "cutting line" as if the grain was straight. As far as the torn edges, it doesnt really matter so much if you plan to pre wash the fabric. Most places I go don't tear, but I wouldnt mind if they did. :-D

JulieR

Eek, sounds like that salesperson needs a return trip to ripping school!

okiepastor

I prefer it torn as well---too much waste otherwise with crooked cuts to get it straight on grain. Last I had that was cut I lost over 4" trying to get it straight.
And you should just see the ragged CROOKED edges on some I got online-no, do not remember where.
When I make strips, I always tear the first one to make sure I am starting on the straight grain--easier than trying to see it!

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.

ann clare

I like my fabric cut not torn.

TN Donna

I would demand mine be cut. I always do. I even make them recut when they get the ends off by a little.

Cyn

It's quite common because it squares up the material since it tears on grain.