Reb

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=c...&v=4ULIMEB-geQ

This is the Judy Martin video cutting LOF.

Scissor Queen

I do lof cuts when I'm using a directional fabric. Even if you cut it lof first the next cut is wof. I do a scrap quilt that has narrow sashing and I cut it so the lengthwise grain runs the length of the strip. Otherwise I just don't worry about it.

NUBQ

Thank You Reb.. Judy makes total sense to me...will save this for future ref. Also liked the way she pressed 4 fabrics t/g to hold them.. She did need a new blade in her cutter.

maviskw

If I were to make such small squares as shown on the video, I surely wouldn't worry about which way is LOF or WOF. When I'm making 6 ft. long borders, then I worry!

twinkie

Great idea

nancia

There is always two sides that speak out on the tearing of fabric. There will be some bruising when tearing fabric but on a positive note, steam pressing the edge brings the threads back together. The selvedge is not necessarily straight but it is usually the straightest edge you will get unless you tear down the length of the fabric, too. Professionals tend to tear the ends since having a straight grain is more crucial to draping than losing a 1/4 "of bruised fabric. The width wise grain is stretchier than the lengthwise grain as I'm sure you've been told by now. Either grain can be used to advantage. Generally the yardage was figured based on a WOF unless stated otherwise in the pattern. Unless it's a one way design it won't make a big difference in each block.

MartiMorga

Good information, a great debate. I saw "Anything but Boring" lady, Janice D Pope, but anyway she started out by restoring old quilts. She was saying that the first thing to wear out was the binding. So of course she explained the difference between LOF and WOF, but in the end she goes bias. The thread count quadruples and is a much stronger fabric.

bearisgray

I have seen 'bruising' over one inch along some tears. In a few instances, up to two inches.

I think if one is going to be absolutely fanatical about a straight crosswise grain, one can pull a thread. Tedious, but it doesn't 'bruise' the fabric.

After washing and drying, I've decided - in most cases - to let the fabric do what it wants to do. I tried the tugging to straighten it - and in a day or so, many of the fabrics reverted to their pre-stretched shape.