Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why cut fabric on grain? It’s important when cutting long strips (ie. borders, sashing, or pieces for the #FiresideQuilt pattern 😉) from yardage (not precuts). The more your fabric gets off grain the more it will stretch and the more your strips will bow in the center. So avoid all that and do this:
1. Prewash it (remember, this is for yardage not precuts)
2. Iron (I recommend starch if making a strip-based pattern like the Fireside quilt.)
3. Snip and rip! Your fabric will rip on grain. Keep in mind that if your fabric is reeeally off grain, you can lose a few inches.
4. Line up the ripped edge and start cutting! If you don’t want to sew with a ripped edge you can trim it off.
NOTE: I do not recommend ripping ALL of your fabric pieces. Once you get your fabric on grain, use your rotary cutter and a ruler.
Why cut fabric on grain? It’s important when cutting long strips (ie. borders, sashing, or pieces for the #FiresideQuilt pattern 😉) from yardage (not precuts). The more your fabric gets off grain the more it will stretch and the more your strips will bow in the center. So avoid all that and do this:
1. Prewash it (remember, this is for yardage not precuts)
2. Iron (I recommend starch if making a strip-based pattern like the Fireside quilt.)
3. Snip and rip! Your fabric will rip on grain. Keep in mind that if your fabric is reeeally off grain, you can lose a few inches.
4. Line up the ripped edge and start cutting! If you don’t want to sew with a ripped edge you can trim it off.
NOTE: I do not recommend ripping ALL of your fabric pieces. Once you get your fabric on grain, use your rotary cutter and a ruler.
