wishfulthinking

After reading through some posts on the board, I decided to try ripping my long border strips. Ripped down the long selvedge edge and I really liked the results...except that so far, two out of six have a slight but distinct curve at each end. Ever had this happen? Is it something I did during the ripping process? I'd sure appreciate some input on this. I was really excited about doing it this way cause it sure seems like I can't cut through more than one fold without getting the dreaded "V." Thanks!

FroggyinTexas

In my opinion, ripping isn't all it is cracked up to be. froggyintexas

janRN

Have you tried starching and ironing them? Possibly the threads are just pulled a little bit and they'll straighten out. This is a guess--I've never ripped fabric but other quilters recommend it. Good luck!

tjradj

I don't rip fabric ever. I just starch it, pressit straight, and use my trusty roller cutter and rulers! I've never had a problem with wavy borders.

Dolphyngyrl

Here is what I have heard from teachers, but have not tried. the trick is to sew from the middle down to each side and not from top to bottom which is what creates waves. try it what can it hurt

sewingsuz

I don't really like to rip the fabric. Does not seem neat to me. Just would rather cut.

Tartan

When I rip long pieces, I always leave a little extra fabric so I can trim off the stretched edge. Try ironing your strips and see if that helps. Are both edges of the strips ripped? If just one edge is ripped you will see a difference (curve) or at least I have found this to be true.

Jackie Spencer

I never tear my fabric, and have never had wavy borders. I measure my quilt through the center, and cut my borders to fit.

grammy Dwynn

First ~ 2 out of 6 sides????~ could you mean 2 of 4 side, that have slight but distinct curve at each end.
Second ~ I'm a visual person ~ can you share a picture of your concern? I am having trouble trying to figure out your 'curve' problem. Usually on boarders it 'waves', which we can get when we don't measure, measure, measure, multiple times (never the edge), and average those measurements, then cut the boarder piece that average length measurement. Next, pin many times to make sure that the boarder 'fits'. Finally sew on the boarder.
Third ~ ripping . . hmm ~ I have mixed feelings, but understand your apprehensiveness of trying to cut a long boarder pieces. How wide is your boarder? Also 'some' fabric do not tear 'nicely'

Sorry to ask more questions, but like I said earlier, visuals help.

wishfulthinking

Thanks to everyone who has answered, but I think I did a poor job describing the problem. I do not have wavy borders. I ripped a total of eight strips for two borders. So far, I've only starched and pressed six of them and two are curved at the end. Thats why I said two of six. I just haven't pressed the last two yet! The four that were perfectly straight have been sewn onto the quilt center and they're great, no wave, etc. So, I think I might like the technique, but for the two with the curve at the end and wondered if I could have done it in the tearing process. Should you tear just a little bit at a time? Or just start at one end an give it one big rip down the length? I just tore about six inches at a time. Hope this makes sense now!