Getting a "square" piece of fabric

[kjohnson]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I've never torn fabric for anything. Always cut with rotary and ruler to get straight edges for mine.

[ldnanny3]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I had this problem recently and my fabric came out so warped that I could never get it to lay right, later learned on a quilting site that I should be cutting my fabric and not tearing it. since then I have not had any more problems with warped backings. It is a lot of trouble to square up a backing that is 108" wide but worth it in the end.

[Iris Girl]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I cut all my back edges. I was taught that although tearing will get you even across the grainlines , it also warps the fabrics a lot.

[Bubby]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I cut the edges of my backings.

[Vonnie]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I tear all edges of my backing, length and width.

Me too! I was taught to do this by Kay Capps Cross at Babylock Headquarters in a Longarm Class I took there.

[toggpine]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

Shush. Don't tell the Quilt Police, I don't square mine up overly much!

I have been known to seam it with an inch and THEN cut the selvedge edges off too. Then again, I haven't been making show-type quilts either.
I can see the reason, but I haven't done it, and they have come out fine.

[quiltsRfun]

Re: Getting a "square" piece of fabric

I tear all edges of my backing, length and width.

[clkenn1]

I am preparing my quilt pieces to go to my long arm quilters. My top is 80" x 80". For the back she wants 3" extra on each side, plus top and bottom so I need a piece 86" x 86". I bought a backing fabric 108" wide. It was cut not ripped. I cut on the selvage and ripped my 1st edge (3 1/2" difference), then measured 86" down the selvage and ripped my other edge. My fabric is still "warped". Can I also rip the length or does that just work on the width? My concern is since it's not laying flat if I try to fold it and rotary cut it, it will have a wobbely edge. It wouldn't be a hugh deal since she has the extra 6" to work with but I'd like to give her a square piece. Thanks in advance for the education.