marilynr

I have been buying 2 inch pieces of fabrics for a paper piecing picture I am doing & it is amazing how much different
the 2 inches are in width, due to poor cutting of previous
cut.

Debd

All those clerks always look so contented. What a way to relieve frustration!

DonnaCee

I go to a quilt shop in Greenfield MA and they only clip and rip. The first time I shopped there and they ripped my fabric I was shocked. Now that's the way I straighten a piece of fabric. It's amazing how off-grain things are cut. I've lost up to 1 1/2" of fabric. I wish more stores would use this method.
Donna

My time

Yes I do and they still do in some shops in Hawaii. Apparently it keeps you edges even.

lheartsl

my mom does this.. scares the heck out of me!

GailG

IMHO, I think it's still a good idea to find the grain by pulling a thread. It's harder to do with synthetics or blends, but it isn't impossible. How to?: snip through the selvege and pull gently on the first crossgrain thread that comes up. Start working it by pulling a little at a time until you can see a little line forming where the thread is coming through. Continue with this pulling until the crossgrain thread comes all the way though. If it breaks, it isn't difficult to cut along that little line that is formed until you get to where the thread has broken. I pull with one hand and work my fingers over the little gathers that form to help the thread slide through. I know it sounds like a big production, but it actually is very easy.
When you're finished, you have the true crossgrain.

Stitchit123

I use to go to Tiedtke's with my Gramma and they tore the fabrics after marking with the meter Grams didn't quilt she made all her aprons-pot holders -kitchen towels and pillow cases then my Great Aunt Lou embroidered everything and Aunt Lou tatted doilies for table tops and arm protecters for the stuffed living room furnishings Personnally I miss those days when things were done by hand it showed the love you had for your family and your home :-)

Quilter2B

I remember when they used to do that all the time. I recently bought some "red tag" fabric at Joanns 50% off and I almost had a stroke when she ripped it!

lorraine43

Love to rip when doing my backing but cut when doing strips. My sister made a quilt and ripped the whole thing and it came out great!!!

MaggieMeg

Some still do rip at my JoAnn's in Franklin.