HOW TO FIND THE GRAINLINE WITH NO SELVAGE? 3 tips to find the grainline on any fabric, even scraps!

How to find the grainline on fabric when you don't have a selvage?? As a beginner at sewing this hard! Let me talk you through what the grainline is, what your looking for and a few ways you can find the grainline, even when the fabric has no selvage!
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MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
What is the selvage?
• What is the selvage? H...
What is grainline and grain?
• What is the grain of f...
What is bias?
• What is the bias? How ...
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Evelyn
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[@Evelyn__Wood]

What method do you use to find the grainline when there's no selvage? Or which one will try now? If you want to immerse yourself in the world of sewing and learn how to make garments really well, join me at www.vintagesewingschool.com/

[@judithwhyte6766]

Wow. I never really understood the difference between cross grain and length grain until now ,,that explains how important it is to know this ,I always thought they were basically the same ,,,,I was aware of bias grain ,,,you explain things so well ,,thank you ,,,

[@nenoschamany616]

Finally, someone has explained the grainline in a simple way.

[@susanb4816]

i learned how to sew in the late 60s and stopped sewing in the early 80s when i started having kids and working. i started again this year and i was SHOCKED when the clerk cut the fabric. i was taught NEVER cut, omly rip for any fabric but knits. sure enough, when i got the fabric home, it was skewiff and not on the grain. i purchased a yard each of 4 different linens and not one is a true yard because of cutting, not ripping. funny how things change

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Ha ha 😂 I agree! I've never been given a cut length on grain, ever!

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

Been there... Way too many times. When I was younger, shy, and too polite. 😶 Now I just stare the shop clerk in the eye. Squinting slightly like a mad pirat, and bark ; "Touch that fabric with a pair of scissors, and I bite your hand off" !!! (Works every time...) 😈

[@margiecook6379]

The way I was taught to cut linen was to pull a thread and cut where it was pulled from. That works on linen but alot of wovens are not that easy and it's hard to cut one on grain yet the print is not on grain, so do follow the grain or the print? One question leads to another. I think we all need a huge hug.

[@susanb4816]

@@margiecook6379 👏

[@SparkyOne549]

Susan B I remember those days. When things are done right.

[@lauracarrier6158]

I usually pull a thread, but it is sooooo satisfying to rip the fabric, I love the sound.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Right!!! It is an extremely satisfying sound! 😄

[@yokie52]

I've got such fond memories of my mother, my grandmother, and aunts at the fabric stores where I was a child. That sound...brings me right back to that memory and I'm 55 years old. Woman's "work" and art dismissed for much of history. They were talented, artists!

[@miriamwagner6156]

I love your English. For me as non native speaker it's so clear and easy to understand. And thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks for watching Miriam! 😀

[@susanrussell8195]

Instead of tearing, I was taught to pull a thread to show the grain line. I’ve tried to think ‘it’s close enough’ and ‘I don’t have time enough to be perfect’, but I can’t let it go. I loved the method of stretching in a circle. Brilliant. And I didn’t know that cross grain always had a little bit of give to it.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Definetly pays to be perfect right! Remember the circle method only gives you rough direction! 😀

[@Skyspiders]

I feel like that one scene in every Hellen Keller movie where the teacher is physically teaching Hellen that things have names - and then a lightbulb goes off in her head and she starts running around asking for the names of things to be spelled out in her hand... Which is to say that I feel I've lived my entire life without any sense of having any further or complete knowledge or understanding of sewing that every other person who sews - has - and I am now just finally realizing what they all have known all along and exactly why it's so important and suddenly I find myself running around my house looking at all the fabric in it and finally really understanding why making things has been so hard and felt so frustrating even when I followed every other part of the pattern precisely... Thank you Evelyn.

[@susanmouncey616]

As usual, very well explained. It is so easy to get it right when taught this well. Thank you.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww thanks! I agree, when you are taught well and understand what it is, it's easy! 😄

[@JL-mc2dx]

Her school is awesome she such a good teacher love the program..

[@lesliethomas6229]

Hi Evelyn! I just found your channel today. Your comments about grain are so important. I just sewed 80 satin pillowcases for someone and didn't think about finding the straight of grain till I had already cut all the pieces out!! Yes, it was a nightmare. As I laid the sections out to sew I quickly saw that they were all off-grain and the fabric was bowed. I thought I would solve the problem by trimming them straight before sewing. That was not the best solution. In the end, the pillowcases came out shorter than I desired. What a lesson learned!!! Straighten the fabric first THEN cut!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

I just learned that satin fabric looks best when cut on the cross grain for seams that don’t look puckered. But I have scraps of satin and the dress is for Barbie LOL! No selvage! Glad I found this tutorial! Thanks Evelyn!

[@thebratqueen]

This is a useful lesson for those of us who, once our sewing friends found out we were starting to learn how to sew, said "GREAT!" and mailed us a big box of their scrap fabric pile to both enable us and clear out some of their stash :D That's a good tip about the fabric ripping btw. I know of a few sewers who love to rip (it does make a satisfying sound) but nobody ever mentioned that it stretches out the edge of the fabric when you do it. I imagine that's another one of those things that most experienced sewers know well enough that they forget to tell us newbies.

[@sharronsimcox8528]

You’re videos are so informative, explaining the grainline 🙂

[@lucaslegz]

I absolutely love your video and look! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@lorannharris9034]

I learned to tell the grainline just the same as youre showing. Later I learned through weaving the warp and weft of the fabric. I love love love fabric. Really enjoy your videos.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks for watching! Do you mean that you actually made your own fabric?? 😃

[@lorannharris9034]

@@Evelyn__Wood I actually had a job for three years working in textiles. Now I am trying my hand at hand weaving.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Oh how fun! I would love to hand weave my own fabric, one day I will learn too!

[@thebratqueen]

@@Evelyn__Wood Speaking as one who has done weaving at home, you might find that a rigid heddle loom makes for a good place to start. It's not a huge investment, it's fairly quick to set up for weaving, and, depending on the heddle, you can get down to some fairly fine threads. I both knit and weave and it's wonderful to see how cloth comes together with the different methods.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thankyou! I will keep this advise for later! 😀

[@reneecarmack2541]

I love your teaching method. So clear and concise! I’ve learned so much from your upbeat, but practical no fluff instructions. When I need to know something quickly, your videos are my favorite! Your topics spot on for a beginner.

[@AnnalisaW100]

Maybe it's because I've watched your videos and commented, but when I had to ask Google today about selvages, I was delighted you were the number one response. And happily, I think I have my pussycats all going in the right direction now. (They would have been upside down if I used the selvage edge for the grainline.) Thank you again! Annalisa :)

[@missmatti]

Great tips as always! I struggled recently finding the right side of twill fabric - maybe that can be another video about which is the right side of a fabric? Now I know it is more important to pick the same side and a side that you like the look of (the wrong side sometimes has its charm), but I think knowing what is the right side and the wrong side can help you gain confidence in your choice.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I do have a video already on that! Here it is 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6Szommcf7uGmbs

[@missmatti]

@@Evelyn__Wood Oh.. I missed it! Thank you! Why didn't I find this one when I was looking for help haha... clearly I need to check your channel first 😜

[@Evelyn__Wood]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jackiekirkman9984]

You are the best! You have been so helpful for me. I will come back here all the time. Thanks for giving of your time- very appreciated. This is the first time I have understood all of these terms because you explained them so simply.

[@teedoubleu9602]

I've been lucky to have selvages on the fabric I've bought thus far. But when I'm practicing a new skill I'll use my scrap fabric and do the pull/tug test to find the grainline- a skill I learned from your Grainline video 😁

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😃😃 Woo hoo!! I love that your taking the time to learn each skill, and straighten your grain! 👏👏

[@donaldcheatham]

I've been watching your vids for a week or so now! Wow - I'm learning SO MUCH! Subscribed!

[@keegan9935]

I have a large piece of fabric i thrifted for making pants for a cosplay. There was no selvedge to be found, which I’ve never had to deal with before, so thank you very much for this super helpful tutorial!

[@yokie52]

I've been sewing for most of my life...eventhough I know or knew much of what you bring up in instruction, I enjoy the refresher and I really like that you don't edit your videos. You flub up, you move on, that's life! Good work!

[@Aaakeith]

I was so frustrated trying to identify the grain of an old tablecloth that seemed to have the exact amount of give in both grain directions, until I got to the part where you mentioned using either or when upcycling materials. I feel like it gave me permission to just move on and keep going with my project. Thank you ❤

[@madebyroenahands5847]

Thank you so (sew) much! I'm getting back into sewing and this grainline cutting on or across always get me upset before cutting because of the direction of the arrow.

[@genny4777]

Thank you so much. I've been sewing for time now but depended on the selvedge, I have now started upcycling and needed to know how to find the grain line without a selvedge. Your instructions are so clear, always. Makes it so easy.

[@LouRao]

You’re truly amazing👏. In my spare time I tuned into your videos and can’t seemed to get enough of them. You’re expertise in sewing has helped me in so many ways more than you know. Your awesome personality feels like as if you are in my home on a one to one basis providing the skills for all formats of sewing. It’s really enjoyable to watch your videos. We are so blessed to have such a gifted teacher -Thank You.😎

[@vanessaknight7129]

Thanks for sharing, I finally understand the grain lines now.

[@dancetoday542]

Thank you. Exactly what i needed to know as I've just bought a dress from a charity shop that I am going to cut up to make a blouse. So well explained..

[@lisabirtch]

Oh my - where have you been all my life?! I have a second hand king size Linen duvet cover I bought for about $4 CDN 🙂 I'm making pants - I always forget how to do this & I especially have trouble finding it on re-purposed fabrics - anyways, I just found you & everything you're talking about relates to me and what I do. I'm just so happy to have found you - I find your style infectious and when you smile, it made me smile. So, in short I guess - I can't wait to learn more about and from you - as soon as I get these pants made that is! Thank you!!

[@ImTash]

love your 30s vibe! and super helpful video for this newbie!

[@janicelindegard6615]

I’ve always used the tearing method; it’s what I was taught 50 years ago. (I was 12) I never knew that cross grain was different, so thank you for that!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😄😄 Well I'm glad I could show you something new! You'll have to do the same test I did on some fabric, so you can really see it yourself the difference!

[@elliejohnson2633]

thank you evelyn that was so helpful and clear and you gave the reasons why ! made me smile when you mentioned bed sheets -- found your video when searched for "finding grain without selvedges" because wanted to make some pj pants out of a cheerful yellow fluffy fitted single flannelette sheet so thank you !

[@marieshade6291]

I love your outfit your wearing today😍

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks! A all thrifted, the pinafore used to be an awful 90s dress with sleeves 😄

[@sashag572]

On fine fabrics, I like to draw out a thread or two for a nice, clean defined line I can follow😊

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Yes!! This is nice and easy on light fabrics and the best way!

[@doreenwatson-read]

I was clapping like a mad woman and demanded my husband came in so I could show him this neat trip, I feel like learning sewing garments is like origami, you don't know what you don't know till you know it and then it's like "eureka" and the whole world makes sense again, and you can stop being angry at yourself for not getting the project right and wasting money on fabric. Also, I got out all my fat quarters and tested out this on it. I am ridiculously excited about this Thankyou so much

[@sxylibrarian]

I saw the trick of tearing fabric to find a grain line from a quilter friend of mine. I had never used this technique before and I was surprised how well it worked! Great video!

[@dorigarbutt5304]

PERFECT Topic! I've been mystified by HOW to find grainline without a selvege for YEARS! Lots of fabric has been consigned to the cabbabe bin because I didn't know these tricks. Thank you.

[@lauracopenhaver5128]

Went thrifting today and bought bed sheets. I remembered you saying you bought them. I am going to make tote bags from the material. I am a beginner sewer and your videos are great!! I am enrolled in your class and am learning so much. I watched your video about you having cancer and hope things are going well for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers,

[@lynnejones257]

Fantastic tips. I have always struggled with finding the grain line with off cuts. Stay safe and well. Lynne

[@ellek8689]

This is exactly what I needed. I recently got what was advertised a linen yardage. But there wasn't a selvedge edge. I was wondering why the pattern pieces I cut out got so distorted and guessed I misidentified the lengthwise and crosswise grain line. It's one of the reasons I don't like to buy fat quarters and eighths. I knew could count on you for a good explanation!!

[@HockityPock]

can never get fabric to tear, it just eludes me. And nothing to do with the video but you have such a lovely elegant Snow White vibe.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Is tricky! Start with a light weight fabric, and you need leverage to get it stated, notice the jarting movements I did to get it stated? And a longer cut to start might help!

[@CraftyRenate]

Thanks for this very detailed, easy to understand video. I want to start sewing easy clothes soon, but I was wondering what was meant by 'cut on the grain'. Now I get it. 😃

[@sueb1158]

Thanks so much! I bought a shirt with summer fabric I adore. Turned out the sleeve wasn’t good for me so I bought the same shirt again & took it apart planning to make new sleeves with the fabric of the other sleeve. Then discovered I didn’t know how to find the grain line on the fabric shirt I took. That’s how I found your wonderful help full videos. Boy do I need them my hubby bought me a new sewing that also embroiders. Thanks I hope you feel better soon and can fight that cancer and win.

[@dharmyadav8829]

This is the most important part of garment industry, yes we can a good start thanks ma'm

[@teresas.3979]

This was very informative. I never heard of cross grain having a slight stretch!

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Thankyou Evelyn, as usual you are so helpful ! Even if you think you know, its good to have that confirmed by someone else. Specially one who knows about these things ! Thanks again.

[@carolehamilton9653]

fantastic! I am gonna join your group

[@katharinaharlow77]

THANK YOU so much for your lessons!

[@carriemarks]

This was so helpful! And such a simple thing too!

[@katieramirez1808]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was searching for, and you explained it beautifully!

[@maellesewinghands9978]

Thank you so much for your advices, it helps me sooo much !

[@roundrobinsonny9792]

Love your videos Evelyn, learning so much

[@ceewood3358]

THANK YOU!!! There's no substitute for actually Seeing the differences!

[@dale3404]

Sometimes the piece is too small for tearing or pulling a thread. Thank you for this information at the beginning of your vid about stretching the fabric to find the grain.

[@joylittle3917]

Great video! I am always encountering fabrics scraps that I could use for bias tape but didn't know how to find the lengthwise, crosswise and bias cut.. Now I know what to do for finding the bias grain line and can put these to good use. I believe I am thinking correctly regarding this. Please correct me if I am wrong! Thanks again!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

You need to make sure it is true bias! Not just 'sort of in this direction' via the circle method I showed. So you need to measure 45 degree angle from lengthwise or crosswise.... I have a video on my channel, is in the sewing terms playlist!

[@KurtesolWafelosi]

Wait, this is kind of a revelation! It's called bias tape bacause it's cut on a bias?!

[@karenmurphy7066]

Thank you! I found this most helpful!

[@SuperPashaKitty]

Your videos are incredibly helpful! I was just wondering this the other day!

[@carolyngethings]

Super helpful. Thank you Evelyn.

[@mdexperience2011]

Watching in 2022! 51 year old that sewed when I was in elementary school and then never again. Mom just gave me one of her sewing machines and I’m learning all over again! You have been so helpful to me so far!! Love your videos! Your accent and voice is calming!

[@donnawandel4953]

I am enjoying you tips and information on basic sewing. Thank you

[@conniebentley8967]

Thank you ! Excellent tutorial!

[@Prairiequiltr]

Love how you break this down so clearly. While I have long been familiar with these concepts, I never would have thought about how the crosswise and lengthwise grains are used in garments. While I have been quilting for decades I am just starting to get into clothing making. Thanks.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😄 Yes grainline ans the fall of the fabric is quite important in garment sewing! I think you have fun experiencing!

[@recovergirl360]

This was so helpful to me. I'm sewing with a secondhand linen sheet and your video was just what I needed. Thank you!

[@lynnefisher7882]

Another great tip to help us become better sewers. Thankyou Evelyn!

[@oliviamarie121]

Yessss great video. I have tons of scraps and this is always a question I never knew I needed answered👍🏻

[@yolisamajija1843]

This is a very good lesson for beginners. The facilitator clearly explains the difference in these 3 grainlines. I now know how to find the grainline when there is no selvedge.

[@janicegomes487]

You are such a gifted personality, that I sometimes look up your videos. Just listenening to your voice uplifts me & a little bit of sewing that I do.Thanks a lot.

[@smsumon7860]

This is very effective for everyone.

[@paulabildson157]

Thank you Evelyn for this video. Very helpful for me as a beginner.

[@noranewton2879]

Thanks for a great explanation!

[@RD-lk3nq]

You explained very well. Love to join your school. Thank you.

[@orashiba591]

Thank you so much. This is so helpful!

[@mymai2792]

Great tips thank you.

[@MerrynWilliams]

So easy to follow along with you Evelyn. I now on the road to recycling for a patchwork quilt. Thanks! Merryn

[@susanowen1709]

So of *course* I had to pause the video and try the "stretch in a circle" method right away. What a great tip!

[@louisegarcia-rodriguez5257]

thank you, great clear video

[@Inversion_wrld]

Hello Miss, I am writing to you as a novice who fell in love with the flat cap, more specifically they’re called “Scally caps.” Anyway I have always been an artist, I like drawing etc and I always have had an affinity for fashion (in passing) , not professional in anything but now I am learning to sew with the tutoring of my grandmother I call Nonnie and now you! So far so good and 😊thank you so very much for all the tips/ habits to get into.Their value has already been immeasurable andI look forward to and welcome a new venture into this world so getting to see a lady such as yourself deliver the info is just 😍 WOW.

[@brianlaplante4286]

Thank you to most information like this is not a big deal. I have two daughters 5yr. And 8yr old. My 8 year old want to learn how to sew. That means I need to learn to be able to teach them what I can. My point is some of the simplest things to others can be a milestone to others. Thank you for your time

[@chareseshinabery]

This is super helpful thank you!!

[@inescastro8084]

Thank you so much for this video Evelyn 😀

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@shelleynutbrown8118]

Your tutorials are brilliant. I usually make bags but wanted to try clothes. I immediately ran into problems with fabrics. Your tutorials have helped so much already. Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@oneilanelson9231]

Do enjoy your series. They have helped me a lot and they are not too long and drawn out (attention problems lol)

[@mycats7321]

Thank you. I knew what the grain in wood was but wasn't sure how it worked in fabric. The explanation of crossgrain/bias/etc helped. Also, there is something about you that makes me smile the moment you come on the screen. You cheer me up.

[@alisonkennett6761]

Recently found your videos, I am trying to do a full bust adjustment on a simple top using an old bed sheet and was not sure how to find grain line. Now to have a go.

[@BlondieSL]

This is what I needed. I don't sew often and I totally forgot what the grain line and bias was. This was the clearest explanation of what grain/bias is/are and how to find it/them. Thanks for that.

[@renereid9820]

Thanks. I’m a beginner and just got a load of useable scrap fabric. Your video helped tremendously.

[@LetUsTrySewing]

This is exactly what I needed. I'm new to sewing and am using a paisley shirt to make an obi belt. And it was perfect to see that you were using a shirt to find the grain line. You rock. Thanks

[@ashenwalls3558]

I only recently ripped fabric like that for the first time. Honestly, so satisfying!

[@cd2065]

I had no clue how to tell which grainline. Thanks, I'm passing this on.

[@swiinka]

I've only just begun sewing, been using old bed sheets and I've come up with technique #1 without even knowing it was the right way. It just made perfect sense to me. Never tried the ripping though, I know it's done (from observing my mum sewing back when I was a kid), but I'm kinda scared to do that myself :) Maybe with my next project, as I have plenty more of polycotton bed sheets to reuse! Great and educational video, as always

[@lynnchambers2229]

Learning soo much from Evelyn. Now I know why cross threads go across your body! Obvious once you’ve been shown!

[@ems8717]

That was so helpful !

[@clefdesoldiese]

I LOVE your blouse!

[@mandarintomato9205]

Thank you so much!

[@Ms.Mel.Creates]

Phenomenal!!!! Thank you!!!

[@RoxxPaperScissors]

THANK YOU!

[@carolkelleher269]

Thank you so very much.

[@silverpromidi]

The sound of ripping material ... for some reason I find that soothing, unless it is a pair of pants on someone :) This came at a great time, I have been gifted a LOT of material. I am planning skirts, maybe a shirt and maybe a pair of pants. I have to go watch that other video on the selvage as well as I have some lovely Poplin I bought the other day for a skirt and I do not want to mess it up - probably as I have been doing for a LONG time :D Never too old to learn. Thanks Evelyn.

[@janeunion8748]

This was super helpful and should improve my mending. I’m really enjoying this channel. Being retired I’m mostly “locked down”. I’m thankful that I’m not forced by circumstances to go out much. I’m having “mending Monday” all week! I thought I might suggest a video on garment “salvage”. Some things really DO wear out beyond mending. It’s worth salvaging things like buttons, zippers, etc. before they hit the trash bin. I inherited a friend’s mother’s stash of all sorts of these things. It’s proven dead useful many times: zippers in odd lengths and colors, really nice buttons ... Our parents and grandparents were smart to save these things, but most people don’t think to do it any more. Thanks for enlivening our isolation. Love the burgundy blouse.