If you prefer your fabric to be torn, rather than cut...
#1
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo, which is near Niagara Falls)
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If you prefer your fabric to be torn, rather than cut...
You can't really use *all* of the length of fabric, because you will lose at least 1/4" and possibly more, at each end.
So... what to do about that?
Do you buy a bit extra? Does your LQS throw in a little extra to compensate? If so, how much extra?
You can't really use *all* of the length of fabric, because you will lose at least 1/4" and possibly more, at each end.
So... what to do about that?
Do you buy a bit extra? Does your LQS throw in a little extra to compensate? If so, how much extra?
#4
I've never noticed it being an issue. Once in a while my LQS throws in an extra inch or two for something else (last time it was because mine was the first tear), but normally not.
I seriously have not seen this distortion and raveling everyone has talked about. Dampen and press - done. Since 1/4" is in the seam allowance I guess I just don't fuss if the edge is a little more ragged than it would have been with a rotary cutter.
I seriously have not seen this distortion and raveling everyone has talked about. Dampen and press - done. Since 1/4" is in the seam allowance I guess I just don't fuss if the edge is a little more ragged than it would have been with a rotary cutter.
#5
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Location: Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo, which is near Niagara Falls)
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'Nother question just occurred to me... if the fabric is a printed plaid, or a panel... you wouldn't want those torn, would you? 'Cause if they are printed even the slightest bit off-grain, it will show up.
Would you prefer that the fabric be cut in this case?
Would you prefer that the fabric be cut in this case?
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
I always straighten up the fabric so cutting is not an issue
EXCEPT for wide backing. I have started asking that wide backing be torn because it is double/double folded on the bolt and even adding a smidgen I loose significantly more than an inch or so. Last I bought I lost 6" on both ends.
EXCEPT for wide backing. I have started asking that wide backing be torn because it is double/double folded on the bolt and even adding a smidgen I loose significantly more than an inch or so. Last I bought I lost 6" on both ends.
#7
Hobby Lobby is very good at giving extra..Wal-mart no..I went to Joann's for the first time the other day and won't go back. the fabric was cut so bad.. when I said something to the lady about giving a little extra to even it up she got mad and made sure she didn't give a bit more then what I asked for. She even pulled and stretched it to be what I asked for.. So ugly!! Won't go back ever!!
#8
At least with it torn you know you are getting a straight edge and that is worth losing the 1/4". Got some at Joann's once that was cut so bad I lost over 6", both sides were not straight. The cutters get upset when you make them place the fabric so you get what you are asking for.
#9
Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
'Nother question just occurred to me... if the fabric is a printed plaid, or a panel... you wouldn't want those torn, would you? 'Cause if they are printed even the slightest bit off-grain, it's really going to be a problem.
Would you prefer that the fabric be cut in this case?
Would you prefer that the fabric be cut in this case?
#10
I rarely tear -- unless I suspect a fabric has been cut WAY off grain. I think tearing stretches the fabric, but if you're pre-washing, that would solve the stretching issue. Not everyone likes to pre-wash. I definitely think stores should train their cutters to recognize where the grainline is, so a fabric can be cut straight. It doesn't have to be perfect -- just close, so there aren't waste issues -- for them or us. I've bought lots of "remnants" (for crafts) that no one else would buy at the end of a bolt because it was way off grain. The worst is sheer fabric & I always have to buy extra.
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