Bree123

Before I got my 10.5" square ruler to help measure so I could use my 3.5 x 24.5" ruler as a straight edge, I used to take my 3.5" ruler and measure out the distance I needed at each end, the middle & around 1/4 and 3/4 WOF and draw a line. Then, I would turn my ruler the opposite direction to use as a straight edge & connect the lines. Usually, I would then just cut with a pair of shears, but you certainly could just fold the fabric & cut carefully with a rotary cutter.

Onebyone

I would use 6 1/2" borders, what's a half inch going to matter?

gale

I didn't think ripping works on the lengthwise grain. I've ripped the crosswise grain before but only if I need to take, say, an approximately 1 yard piece off of a 5 yard length. Or something like that.

QultingaddictUK

That is the way I was taught by a quilter who earned her living designing and making kits and I have never regretted it, her saying was "I rip to sew"! It works so well for the likes of me who can't stand up to cut making cutting so much easier.

Karamarie

I also rip as it works best for me. I then press and either trim or figure the edge into my quarter inch seam. The edge is only a little bit frayed so is not a problem. I know not everyone agrees with this method but it works for me.

Sewnoma

I'm a ripper, too, for those long lengths. I rip a strip an extra half-inch or so wide, press after ripping and then trim it down. If I'm ripping multiple strips I add an inch - one half-inch per ripped side.

I think having the border precisely on-grain helps keep it from being ripply. Plus there's something so extremely satisfying about ripping fabric!

Esmerelde

I use two rulers. So if my ruler is 6.5 and I need 7, I measure 0.5 with my (small square) ruler then butt my normal ruler against that one. I slide the little ruler along the big ruler to make sure the measurement is good on the whole length of the cut.

EmiliasNana

Square up the raw edge of your fabric, then mark the 90" (+ an inch or so to spare) on the length of fabric. Fold the raw edge to the mark (selvages together on top and bottom) Keep folding until the length matches your cutting mat. Make sure your selvages are even on both edges; trim 1" off one selvage edge, then measure up 7 inches and use your mat to make a straight line parallel to the selvage edge you just cut.

acjacques

There are rulers that are 8-1/2 inches wide by 36" length.

mike'sgirl

I rip too. Usually rip my sleeves off. I also rip boarders. I also add a little bit and trim the ripped side. Works well for me.