Get your fabric on grain and prepare for cutting and sewing

[@LizMapes-h9h]

This was very helpful. Thank you for going into detail and modeling what we are to do. It's been about 40 years since I took home ec and haven't sewn much since then. Now I am starting again.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! Glad to hear you getting back into sewing Liz ❤️

[@sewlady1964]

Hi Toni, thanks for that video. I've been sewing since I was 8 (70 years! I'm 78 & sewing is part of who I am.) I have reorganized my sewing studio including rewashing my fabrics that were hanging on hangers in my 2 closets. While refolding a beautiful print I discovered that it was totally off-grain since it's at least 3 yds. long I didn't want to pull threads, so I was looking for one that had the tearing method, yours was the only video of several that had what I wanted & you pronounced "selvage" correctly! The others pronounced it " salvage" I wouldn't be able to watch more of those videos! So I'll join your FB group.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching! The FB group didn’t quite work out, so it was disbanded. But, I do have a mailing list to let you know when I’m doing a livestream so you can come hang out with me ☺️ I’ve never heard it pronounced “salvage”-oh the horror 😱

[@clare7782]

Oh that was very useful and helpful, thank you for taking the time to explain about the grain. I’m new to sewing and wondered why ‘the grain’ is often talked about and I simply ignored any mention of it ! Now I know. 😄

[@SewSewLounge]

Hi Clare! So glad that you found my video helpful! Grain is one of those topics that was explained in detail in vintage sewing books, but for some reason glossed over in the modern ones. One book I read actually said you didn't need to worry about getting fabric on grain because fabrics were woven better now! 😲 That's totally not true based on my recent fabric purchases!

[@GreenGrl2023]

Love watching you work!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww ❤️ thanks for watching

[@Rima-vj5tp]

Thank you for this video, very helpful! I cheered when you tore across the top of the fabric to straighten it and said, "So satisfying!". Yes! A girl after my own heart! ❤ But I cringed when you tore across the bottom😢 I like to keep as much extra fabric that I can intact. It is amazing what can be done with a little creative pattern placement to get another project out of the leftover fabric. I know you were doing it to demonstrate, so I understand. 😊

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching Rima. I’m glad to know you enjoy ripping fabric to get it on grain too ❤️

[@debdietz833]

So helpful thanks !

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad it was helpful ☺️ you’re welcome!

[@user-wd7rq6zr6o]

Hey Toni! Is getting on grain important for non-apparel items as well, or is it mainly for clothing?

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s super important for clothing so your garment fits and hangs the way it should once you wear it. Not as important for non-apparel, but I’ve found that on-grain fabric is easier to sew. Totally up to you, but I get all my fabric on grain before I use it.

[@Kim-vt6gn]

Hi Toni! I am coming back to sewing after 20 yrs and I just love your method of teaching! I am working my way through all your videos and I’m learning so much! I’m sure it takes many hours to make and edit your videos but please know how much I appreciate them. I’m hooked! As far as “grain” goes…I never knew any of that and avoided the word🤪 🙏Kim

[@catherinem6101]

Well I did this as instructed and it ruined my fabric. Not sure what I did wrong. I am attempting to make a take home Baby outfit and I’m due in 2 weeks. Been watching your videos and haven’t made a single move except this. I am trying to learn as I have zero zero knowledge

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m so sorry to hear your project didn’t work out! Send me an email (click the about tab at the top of my channel page) and we can figure out what happened together.

[@marlenejones6266]

Can I wash my fabric by hand? I have to pay for my laundry down the hall. I want to,get my fabric washed but I can't spend a fortune on it. I have a dark fabric now and a light. I don't want any fading onto my lighter one

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes you can always hand wash, but I’d wash the separately to be on the safe side 😉

[@pamelalc63]

sorry, I do not understand. First of all I don't know why it has to be on grain. I have watched so many sewing videos and not one mentioned on grain, second how do I know when it is on grain. I doubt I will get a response. I will check if there are other videos

[@SewSewLounge]

If it’s not on grain the cut pattern pieces aren’t going to fit correctly once you sew everything together. Just because it’s not mentioned in other videos doesn’t mean it’s not important. If it’s a plain weave fabric you can tear it along one end as demonstrated in this video. I also have a video for other fabrics which don’t tear, which you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aILWoX-srrqMZ5Isi=h_TSqjMRHcL_YWf6