How to Cut a Line up the Grain of a Grid Table in Sewing
In working with fabric, it is exceedingly important to find the grain of the fabric before you do any cutting. Because fabric is woven together in two directions, fabric has both a crosswise and a lengthwise grain. The lengthwise grain is parallel to the selvage edges (the manufactured edges) of the fabric. The crosswise grain is perpendicular to the selvage edges. The bias grain is at a 45-degree angle to the selvage edges of the fabric. Cutting fabric along the lengthwise grain will provide the most stability and will prevent stretching. Many people like to use a grid on a table to cut a line up the grain.
Instructions
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Spread the cutting pad over the table and make sure the pad is squared to the sides of the table.
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Place the fabric onto the cutting pad so the selvage edges are at the top and bottom as you face the table. Smooth the fabric flat so there are no wrinkles.
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Make sure you can see the measurements stamped on the cutting pad at the top and bottom selvage edges. These will be your guides to determine where you will begin cutting the fabric.
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Reposition the fabric perfectly onto the cutting pad. Place the left top corner of the fabric at the "0" mark on the cutting pad, and line up the selvage edges with a top and bottom line on the cutting pad. If the left side edge is already cut on the crosswise grain, the entire left edge of the fabric will line up perfectly along the entire "0" line. If it is not cut on the crosswise grain, it will not line up perfectly. It is not likely that the fabric was cut perfectly on the crosswise grain.
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Notice the uneven left edge after you have lined up the selvage edges and placed the left corner at the "0" line. Choose a vertical cutting line and cut the left edge of the fabric along this cutting line. Cut very slowly, making sure the fabric does not shift as you cut. It is very important to keep the selvage edges aligned with the top and bottom lines on the cutting pad to ensure you are cutting along the crosswise grain line. Cut the entire distance along the left edge of the fabric between the two selvage edges.
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Align and cut the right side of the fabric in the same manner, if desired. However, you may be able to just proceed with your fabric cutting, knowing that you have a crosswise straight grain cut from which to work.
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