HOW DO I?
Find crosswise and lengthwise fabric grain
Fabric grain matters the most with rectangles, borders and binding. Quilters cotton has a grain because it is a woven fabric, made on a loom. How the threads are woven on the loom determines the crosswise grain and lengthwise grain.
Often, instructions simply state to cut "on the straight of grain." Both crosswise and lengthwise are considered 'straight of grain'.
Often, instructions simply state to cut "on the straight of grain." Both crosswise and lengthwise are considered 'straight of grain'.
Lengthwise grain
The fabric threads run parallel to the selvage edges. This direction is very firm and has no give, or stretch. This is the length of fabric purchased off the bolt. Crosswise grain
The fabric threads run the width of the fabric, perpendicular to the selvage. This direction has some stretch. Fabric comes off the bolt folded selvage to selvage. |
1 |
|
Fabric with the selvages intact make finding the grain straightforward:
|
2 |
|
Pre-cuts and scraps don't have selvage edges to help you identify the fabric grain. Pulling on the fabric straight of grain will tell you what you need to know!
Here's how to test: Grab the fabric, one side in each hand, and pull your hands apart. What do you feel?
Here's an easy way to remember: Crosswise — ss = selvage to selvage & some stretch Lengthwise — ns = no stretch |
3 |
|
Rectangle shaped pieces: Use grain to make assembly easier
For both 'Rectangle or Square' and 'Half Rectangle Triangle', The Yardage Calculator has two settings to give you the control over the piece layout in the cutting diagram. The setting 'Find Best' chooses the layout that uses the least fabric. The setting 'Force Layout' puts the piece Length on the lengthwise grain.
Putting the longest side on the lengthwise grain will make it easier to assemble strip sets that lay flat. For die cutting, 'Force Layout' will create a cutting diagram for strips that will not stretch as they are fed into the die cutter. |
Border and Bindings: Choose the grain to fit your project
QuiltSandwich creates cutting diagrams for Horizontal, Vertical, Mitered Borders and Straight Binding. QuiltSandwich lets you set Binding and Borders to either Crosswise or Lengthwise grain — because sometimes you need options! In the example below, the cutting diagram shows that there is no difference in yardage — so choose the grain that will make it easier to add the border to your project!
QuiltSandwich creates cutting diagrams for Horizontal, Vertical, Mitered Borders and Straight Binding. QuiltSandwich lets you set Binding and Borders to either Crosswise or Lengthwise grain — because sometimes you need options! In the example below, the cutting diagram shows that there is no difference in yardage — so choose the grain that will make it easier to add the border to your project!
What about the importance of fabric grain for Backing & Batting?
Backing and Batting pieces are so big they'll run the length of fabric, so fabric grain is not an issue.
Often QuiltSandwich doesn't offer you a grain setting for these pieces, however, if your quilt is larger than a single piece of fabric, the backing and batting will need to be pieced. That is why there is a choice of settings for either horizontal or vertical assembly. For backing, the Force Layout setting may be helpful to estimate the yardage needed for one-way prints.
Often QuiltSandwich doesn't offer you a grain setting for these pieces, however, if your quilt is larger than a single piece of fabric, the backing and batting will need to be pieced. That is why there is a choice of settings for either horizontal or vertical assembly. For backing, the Force Layout setting may be helpful to estimate the yardage needed for one-way prints.