What is the grain of fabric? What is the grainline? And how to find and use it! - Sewing Terminology

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I hope this answers your grain and grainline questions! Leave me a comment to let me know how you found the video and anything I missed out! Also what else helped you understand grain?

[@eileenbrunwasser]

Extremely useful! Found on your KZbin page. Thanks!!

[@FancyRavenmoon]

I’ve been watching your videos to learn I find your talents are helping me learn!

[@sunitavlog4341]

Yes ma'am

[@Arabhorselver92]

So if your length grain isn’t long enough to use for your pattern can you use the cross grain instead?

[@lynmcguff1538]

I’m still finding the selvage and grain line confusing. Does the grain stretch more?

[@zeldabennett4164]

Much easier than trying to understand these terms using only book illustrations. It's all much clearer now.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Zelda I'm glad to hear it! I bet after me explaining it though, you could visualize what they were explaining in the books! And I love your using book to learn also! Keep it up and you will learn very fast! x

[@sarahmeacheam7517]

I'm a simple woman. I see that Evelyn has a new video up I click.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww And I thankyou greatly for it 😙

[@sarahmeacheam7517]

Evelyn Wood you're welcome you lovely lady you

[@nicolesealey3632]

Word.

[@ines_ramos]

This was soooo helpful!!! My grandma was a professional seamstress, and my mom learned to sew in the last years of her life (she sadly passed away in March). Now I want to "take the relay" and continue the family tradition, because it's so fascinating!

[@KJ_nyc]

I've been sewing for 40+ years, and I never had this explained as well as it is explained here. Just goes to show we never stop learning. Ms. Wood is a great teacher.

[@sjmsutherland]

FINALLY I now understand!!! Now I will find cutting patterns easier, as I just never understood what the grain was!!! I only ever used my sewing machine to create textile art, I'm pretty new at using it to make clothes!! Thank you so much for this video!!!! :D

[@laurajones4088]

Evelyn, your explanations of sewing terms are very thorough and I am enjoying this series even though I have been sewing for many years. Lovely refresher for me and so useful for those new to sewing. Thank you for this series.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Laura your most welcome! Thank you so much for your kind compliments! It is nice to have a refresher I agree! I never stop learning! And I too thought this would be invaluable reference for a new sewer!

[@meguellatisabrina5631]

Before you said you were a teacher I knew it right away. You have that kind of methodology only academics have, and hey, I'm not only learning sewing here, I'm only learning English and it tremendously give me the willing to learn more as I understood every single word you said. I should also say I like your style and wonder if it's your everyday style or it's just for the school...

[@PeaceMeBish]

Appreciate that you explain things several different times in several different ways. Excellent series. Thank you for making/posting it!

[@jackybraun2705]

I have been watching sewing videos recently but am from the UK and learnt to sew in the 1960s and 1970s. We have different words for many things - bias and selvedge are the same but I only associate grain with wood. We called these the warp and the weft. There are many other examples. You say that when you start sewing it's like learning a new language. Here I'm learning yet another language!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Warp and weft is the technical names for them yes! 😄

[@sherlhen]

Thanks! I finally understood it. I was getting frustrated with myself earlier when I couldn’t understand the sewing book I was reading up about this topic. It helped that I paused this video first, searched for your selvage video and watched it, then returned to this video and continued watching it. Very clear and concise explanation. Thank you once again.

[@rosemaryhannah3467]

I have been sewing for over 60 years and it never ceases to amaze me how many people today launch into sewing without understanding the basics. So this kind of instruction is invaluable in my opinion. But I also wanted to tell you a funny story. A newbie sewist asked on a Facebook group how she could find the grainline. Not an uncommon question except that as I carried on reading the post it became clear that she thought it was only in one place and she was having difficulty in locating it. I thought I may have misread her post so I re-read it, once then twice. No, I hadn't misunderstood her. So I answered her as tactfully as I could and explained it was any line that runs parallel to the selvage.

[@DipityS]

I appreciated you clear teaching style - making it simple to understand and introducing new terms. Thank you.

[@susanfleming8305]

You have have Be came my sewing teach er thank you God for people Like you I just Leaning to sew as a wonderful hobby!

[@sarahleopard4446]

You are so smart Evelyn, and such a great teacher!!

[@randimatsuzaki8461]

I self taught when I was a child, so I missed a lot of details like how to use grain. I appreciate you taking the time to explain these things in videos for us.

[@JodiHolstead]

Best explanation of grainline I’ve seen! Thank you!

[@pjacksreads536]

Oldie but golden! Great message Thanks for sharing it

[@johannakerns2107]

Thanks, Evelyn. My sewing vocabulary is growing with each video!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Fabulous!!! Im so glad to hear it! More will be coming!

[@christineborowski6285]

I just cannot learn from print only!! Evelyn makes it sew easy to understand!!

[@banthony8545]

This one popped up on my KZbin feed and really liked it, very clear. Here's a good example of what happens when something is "not on grain:" you look down at your pants and the seam is snaking, spiraling down your leg! An exaggeration. But when you see fabric "twisting" wonky on a seam, that's off grain and there's no making it right. Depending on the fabric and garment drape, cutting a garment off grain can be fatal, when completed it will never hang right or move with the body correctly. When I read how Chanel suits were besoke made, I really got. But that leads to vid on ironing techniques: hams and clappers please.

[@ColleenRichter]

This was so incredibly helpful! About to dive into my first dress for a little one. So happy I watched this first!

[@margaretbrown6492]

I thought this video was VERY helpful and informative. You are a great instructor, explaining these terms and concepts in a clear and simple way that is easy to understand and makes sense! Thank you - I'll definitely be watching more of your videos as I try to learn these basic sewing concepts!

[@theresahammond57]

Very helpful my mom tried to teach me to sew . I was a terrible student and very impatient. Your videos are a great refresher. I want to make some simple outfits for my grandchildren 😊

[@leticiamoth]

extremely useful video. i have just begun learning to sew and i have watched many videos about fabric grain. your was by far the most concise and clear of them all! it really helped me finally get the concept. thank you very much! ❤

[@jimclayton2504]

Wow! I have never known and I have always been very confused....But I got it within 5 seconds with your video. Many thanks Jim.

[@feufleur9740]

Super helpful, thank you!!! This is the clearest and easiest to follow explanation I've come across as a sewing newbie! Thank you!

[@candyDander]

Very Helpful! I bought some 'easy'/ beginner patterns and noticed this term. Thank you for explaining it in a clear way.

[@leighdesaram]

Explained perfect. Finally I now understand properly. I been sewing 5 yr and always confused at some point. I guess. I been lucky with my work

[@supernaturallyblessed]

Hello Beautiful, I Am A Beginner Sewer The Last Time I Sew Was Back In Jr High In The 80’s Lol, Well Im A Grammie Now & Im Back At It With A Goal To Become Grammie Everything Maker, Lol I Wanted To Say Thank You!!! You Are A Blessing Not Just To Me But Thousands Of People, You Are An Amazing Professional Sewer Thank You & May God Bless You With So Much Blessing’s That It Over Flows, Thank You Beautiful Once Again…….

[@anitatorbett4613]

You are so clear and easy to understand. Im such a beginner, and many videos confuse me, especially when the person says@ cut in the width of the fabric

[@marylal7093]

Thank you Evelyn. So simply explained and a very pleasant and lovely lady to watch. Look forward to looking at your other videos.

[@CrystalClear10214]

Thank you so much for your wonderful explanation! I actually watched four other videos trying to get this concept and your explanation nailed it for me! You are a n excellent teacher!

[@paulinemcleggan7585]

This was so helpful. I haven’t sewn anything in years! Thank you for re kindling my passion. 😀

[@guylainebourget9543]

Finally! Your clear explanations helped this francophone to understand the grain, the selvage… thank you!!!

[@alexmorton5200]

I'm a beginner, and the explanation of the grain was brief and to the point. At 71 years of age I really don't want to listen to someone who tells everything about themselves. Just don't know how much longer I'm going to be around. 😅

[@SauleNewell]

That was EXTREMELY clear, thank you so much

[@luzshemonek5708]

Oh Evelyn Wood! I love you!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@erikasturquoisefeather4721]

Had to chuckle when you were talking about the way the lines should all go the same way, down the body, when you are wearing lines! Your body and sleeves all go the same way. Great subliminal example!

[@LelaLuv16]

A very simple and useful video to understand these concepts so much better! Yay! 🤩🤩

[@floorvanstraten8160]

so clear and understandable! i'm actually looking for a video about finding grainline without a selvage - and you have one for that too! yay!

[@RD-lm3kr]

Thanks so much, I have been learning to sew for days and have made a lot of mistakes about grains now I know. Thanks a lot.

[@josephsfields]

I must have watched 14 of your videos looking for the info in this one. Re: I'm still deciphering the information from the pattern package. Im a single dad and the first sewing project I'm taking on is my daughter's wedding dress. This is because I don't like her suitor and want to sabotage the wedding. Just Kidding. I'm just going to attempt a short-sleeved medium weight button down cotton work shirt w/collar and pocket. Wish me luck.

[@trishcook1857]

Thank you, I am about to use a piece of fabric with only one selvage edge. Now I understand which way my pattern needs to go x

[@khenali25u8]

I'm halfway through the video and I am learning so much. As an amateur sewer my hats off to you!!! You are a wonderful teacher. You explain clearly and concisely. Thank you.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Awww thanks for watching!

[@kimc91]

I so appreciate this video... Grain line explained so clearly. Thanks

[@feriel9961]

I'm new at sewing and before cutting my first piece I want to be sure to understand all those scary words such as selvage, grainline, etc. (especially because the patterns I have are in english and it's not my mothertongue !). You did an amazing job at explaining everything, so THANK YOU !! it makes everything clearer ! Love your videos, that makes me a new subscriber to your channel :)

[@VickyLatorreArt]

OMG! Where have you been. I love all of your videos and when I am finish watching one I see the first 25 videos in the youtube suggestion column are all yours. I don't even have to search for them. They are coming to me like hot potatoes. Thank you so much. I have always love to sew since I was a little girl but I failed my intent back when I was in high school. I decided to give it a try about 5 years ago and I stopped because I couldn't figure out anything on my own. Now, I found you. I am definitely giving it another try and I am confident this time will be a success because of you. My biggest problem is that I keep ending with an end longer than the other one and end up cutting the left over edges. I think if I am not mistaken my problem is the grain. I cut the pattern where ever is a space in the fabric that fits no matter what dirrection of the grain. I am going to check out your website. Thank you so much. You are amazing!!!

[@oliviaquillin7680]

Thank you so much! This helped get rid of all my confusion!!

[@momosaku16]

I`ve just started sewing and been looking for exactly this kind of content! thank you

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching!

[@dianaavelis2703]

Thank you for this explanation of the grainline!

[@user-rc6rw1dr4q]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I just started to sew and the grainlines were so confusing, but you explained it easily and I feel much more confident continuing my project!

[@JL-mc2dx]

I’m in her vintage school I’ve learned so much.If you’re just learning to sew her school program is very thorough I love her videos.thanks Evelyn

[@Ione1916]

Ms. Wood, I found this video very helpful. Thank you for what you do. Regards, Rebecca Duncan North Carolina

[@dimounelah4260]

Thank you so much Miss, your video helped me really much to understand the meaning for straight grain for my food and textiles class.

[@deannaarmstrong8876]

I'm trying to relearn all of the terminology I've forgotten since high school Home Ec class (early 1980's) and your videos are extremely helpful!! Thank you so much!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

My pleasure! Understand the ingo will make it alot easier as you go through patterns!

[@mariaaguila3605]

Thank you for this helpful video. Also, you have such a cheerful face, and I didn't realise I was also smiling the whole time while watching your video.

[@Nangiesx]

I watched one before I got to you, You made me understand, girl, you are you thorough, you know just what it means to have learners out here. Thank you.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I'm glad to hear it!! Grain is a very important thing to understand!!

[@mariajoseescobar8109]

Evelyn this video is amazing! I just have a question, how do you find the straight grain when there is no selvage in your piece your fabric? Thank you for all of your videos, I’ve learnt so much from them as a beginner sewer!

[@fawziahoosen1366]

Yes I would really like to know the same question

[@estellestone5322]

I've watched several videos from other people on Grainlines, selvedges, etc. Yours is by far the easiest to understand. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make this. I've never used a pattern, so I was always confused on these difference concepts. I appreciate this very much!

[@nannettenielsen216]

I have been sewing for years but was never taught about the grain of the material. Now I understand!! Thank you! I am just glad that I have been sewing correctly all of these years.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

My pleadure!!

[@VCarufel]

Thank you! Beginner sewer and this was a great explanation

[@louisemajor2502]

I have been sewing, using the trial and error method, for nearly 60 years. The reason for instructions on patterns becomes clear when one sees the result of not precisely following them. It is a delight to watch and listen to you. Having never had a sewing lesson, I have probably made just about all the mistakes. It would have been lovely to have your channel and instructions around all these years. I am glad to say, while I did make a lot of mistakes, I did learn by them. I am so glad for the people who have you as a wonderful resource thereby saving them many hours of frustration and needless expense.

[@lisazystro5343]

That was an excellent, very clear explanation. Thank you!

[@annpearce1934]

This information is vital to anyone who plans to sew. Thanks for the information.

[@tonyamcchesney5166]

I haven't sewn in years with a pattern. Wish we had KZbin back when I started. Anyway, you made it easy to refresh my memory. Thank you.

[@jaime1251]

Clear and concise. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww my pleasure! thank you for watching!

[@anaevelyn3071]

Oh my goodness Evelyn, this is the third video that has helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I’m starting off with a basic sewing project and I’m using a Simplicity pattern and every time I come along terminology I don’t know, I look up your videos. Thank you soooo much for taking the time to explain everything thoroughly!! 2019 is my year to become a seamstress!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Yay!!! Ana I'm so happy to hear it!! Keep practicing and you will be a great seamstress this year! 😚😚

[@traceyjones9049]

I think this is a great video it’s put plane and simple for any learner or even us oldies

[@applecider2994]

It's been yearrrrrrs since I learned the basics of sewing way back in the early 70's. Should have paid more attention in Ms Andersons Home Economics class ! Your explanation of the fabric and how it is made was excellent and very thorough. Thank you!

[@user-yo7ul2xh3e]

The way you explained the difficult terms in sewing or pattern with a very sweet smile is awesome ! Thanks a lot ! Keep it up.

[@sylviastewart1797]

This was a fantastic explanation. Thanks so much.

[@pattidesante3282]

I am just learning how to sew during covid so no in person instruction. Your video was awesome at helping me. I have a brain injury so it is not always easy.. Thank you so much.

[@jessicabraithwaite5822]

I like that you're wearing a shirt that explains the importance of grain line. Perfect.

[@rbersani1]

A good review of what I learned many many years ago is high school.

[@salems_gigi6309]

EXTREMELY useful. I bought a sewing machine a couple years ago and have learned a little bit watching KZbin videos here and there, but a seamstress just hired me to help her sew items for different boutiques and shops that place orders with her so I need to learn all of this ASAP. She is great and has been teaching me as we go but I am going to binge watch all of your videos to learn as much as possible on my own. My dream is to eventually start my own sewing business from home ....I have a long way to go before I am ready for that. So glad I found your channel ❤

[@genny4777]

Thank you so much. That was so clear. Not so clear if you trying to get the information from a book!! I am using a curtain lining as a toile and thought it best to get the grainline accurate.

[@bridgetcurnow2947]

Thank you so much for the informative video. I’m going to my first sewing class tomorrow, so getting to know the grainlines will help me so much. Evelyn you rock.

[@mariacerda5489]

Thank you Evelyn! You made it so easy to understand.

[@marciabraga1111]

You’re a blessing, I just started loosing the fear of sewing lol so yep I’m starting this adventure and found you, thank you so much.

[@janeewinston5780]

I love that you explain the importance of the grainline and why we need to follow it.

[@amishgirl1000]

Wow!! That makes it so much easier. Thanks Evelyn

[@ezyjac]

This video is very useful! I didn't know when I cut up the fabrics I need to check the grains first... Awesome video! I

[@mekak.stilldesigns2007]

This video actually made a lot of sense, the definition is very clear...THANK YOU!!!!!

[@phyllisweaver8911]

This was very useful! I learned exactly how to tell what is what!

[@lisamadril8464]

Thank you for your video. I am taking a sewing course with my niece (7yo) and while the instructor is very good, these videos help reinforce what we are learning in class.

[@jacquiphillips2462]

Hi Evelyn, Thank you for your very informative instructions on ‘grain’. If I don’t get it correct, it certainly won’t be down to you! Xx 💕💕

[@annrsaunders9968]

Yes, I now have a much better idea on the grain. Thank you, no one has ever explained this to me in previous sewing classes.

[@lucaslegz]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ve watch several of your videos and you answered my most important questions!!!!!!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I'm glad to hear that!! 😄 Happy sewing!

[@Tclassy111]

This was absolutely perfect! I now have a better understanding of the "grains" - incredibly valuable!

[@tina-mariehennessy5878]

I love your tutorials, you explain everything so calmly and thoroughly. Lots of love from the UK xxxx

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks so much!

[@mgansworth78]

Thankyou ❤🧵 So much for your channel this has helped me a lot. I've always loved to sew I got my 1st machine when I was a kid but never stuck with it until now I'm 41 and fallen back in love with sewing. I never was patient enough to learn the importance of everything but now I can't get enough lol your videos are awesome and explain everything so well. Thankyou ❤🌹🧵

[@nadiamazzone1232]

I have been watching your videos Evelyn and you are very, very good for us no-hoppers. You cover everything that is needed.

[@shaymaashamy9909]

you are awesome, i like your style and your amazing way of teaching and simplifying terms.

[@Swiftray]

i’ve done it wrong all the time until now haha - thank you so much you are a jewel

[@janie973379]

Thank You so much Evelyn -- I have never sewed before - but am getting ready to --- Yes this helped me a lot with the grain, one of the many things I was wondering about. You are excellent at explaining so much -- Thank You again - this is so perfect for what I need.

[@pamelaalbertus9129]

I was never realky aware of the grainline and like you said, one does cut here and there and where ever it fits. But after this , I understand and it makes perfectly, logical sense. Thank you😊😊😊👍👍

[@idunno5890]

8:02 ... My answer to your question is that I find this surprisingly informative. I learn things that I didn't know before. I started learning how to sew around Nov of last year and i've been on and off with it. I gave up when I felt like the result of my sweat isn't the same as what I thought it's gonna be. And I would continue back when I find myself fired up to make something. Watching this videos made me feel like I'm back to my schooldays and somehow reminded me how in class I would just write down whatever the teacher is giving me without understanding the full concept (blindly writing down notes). But now that it concerns me wanting to understand sewing, I am actually writing notes while actually understanding the informations given. Back in my schooldays, when I look back into my notes, I would probably grunt in frustration if needed in exam/test. But now, looking back in my notes I got from you, it's more than just complicated English words (it's not my first language.) in short, you gave me more than the knowledge of sewing (which is the realization of things I didn't know I would get).

[@HearthandSickle]

Thank you Evelyn. I knew the basics for the grain line, but you explained it in a way that I finally understand. -B

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Yay!! I'm so glad! Yes I think a lot of people might know the grain line on a pattern and to keep it straight when cutting.... but never know WHY??? And I believe having this knowledge and understanding is what will make you a really great dressmaker! x

[@malyreyes4216]

I'm just learning to sew and your videos have proven to be invaluable to me. This video in particular was an aha moment!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

There is so much more you grainline too! I'm glad this helped, just keep on learning!