Why You Want to Cut Strips on Lengthwise Grain

Typical strip cutting instructions say cut strips the width of fabric. Learn why Marti Marti, among others, prefers to cut strips on the lengthwise grain for most quilting needs.

[@kimfowler4636]

Thank you! I wish they would teach this to beginner quilters. I have been looking for this information.

[@aliceswann4148]

THANKS Marty! I am new to quilting but have sewn garments for years. So cutting fabric lengthwise is something I am accustomed to doing. I wondered why most quilting instructors teach cross grain cutting. I agree with you that lengthwise is best option to use. Now I see why! Happy Quilting!

[@leticia-rl7yj]

I'm a fairly new quilter and this was very informative. Thank you!

[@jodiradelet6131]

working on my first quilt...the sashing....was not sure how to cut this....now I know! and why! short n sweet video and very well explained! ty so much....helped me out a lot....now I feel totally confident in cutting this sashing! :) you are awesome

[@heidilecompte4198]

Thank you for this valuable information 🌟

[@elnorac]

Thanks so much for making this video, Marti! I've wondered why you recommend cutting on the lengthwise grain. Now I get it and will do it!

[@TheElly110]

I am so upset, I am making a quilt for my daughter, I sew but couldn't remember which way to put the fabric to cut strips. Well I went on the internet watched MANY videos, and they all said to cut from salvage to salvage. I didn't want to spoil the material I am on a fixed income. Well what do you know. I cut all my strips of the color I needed at the time. { i'm using several different colored fabrics. I went to press the strips to make sure they are nice and flat. ( I'm making a log cabin quilt ) You guessed it. The strips are all stretchy. I can't believe all those teaching videos steered me wrong. Ruined 2 yards of material. I trusted them. They are from quilting stores. So I went on you tube again. Trying to find out what I did wrong. And how can I save my strips. I'm so glad you explained it too me in this video. You wouldn't happen to know a trick that will keep my strips from stretching while I sew the log cabin pattern. In the quilt as you go way ? I would be soooo grateful if you could help me. I've got a feeling you'd know a good trick.

[@lcg1234able]

Thanks for this. I'm working on my first quilt (a t-shirt quilt with strips framing and strips around them) and I cut them the way you said not to. I realized it once everything was cut, but it worked out okay because I was careful to press, not iron. BUT, now I'm at the border part and I'm going to follow your advice to make sure those good ole borders hold it together straight. Hoping for the best.

[@jaszczurkha]

Please,do some more videos about your products, Marti.I love PPT & dedicated books.I already have volume 1 3 4 ,Machine Quilting in section , Scrap Quilts ,Set A B C D E G H M ,waiting for P and L ! Also have your rulers and Deluxe Corner Trimmer - I love that one,use it very often.Love,love,love from UK!

[@ImGinaMarie]

Don't you still have to start your cut on a 90 degree??

[@debraclemmings2396]

Thank you for the okay to use lengthwise! If I am running short on fabric, is it okay to mix a few strips cut on the crossgrain with the lengthwise strips? Should I try to place them say on top and bottom of the perimeter opposite of each other with all the lengthwise on the sides, rather than just sew all lengthwise strips together followed by the cross grain strips together?

[@NaomiC336]

Warp and weft are terms for the two basic components used in weaving to turn thread or yarn into fabric. The lengthwise or longitudinal warp yarns are held stationary in tension on a frame or loom while the transverse weft (sometimes woof) is drawn through and inserted over-and-under the warp. I googled this explanation.

[@Gabbo_the_Great]

I think the screen graphic is wrong about the weft and warp. Isn't the crosswise grain the weft and the lengthwise is the warp? It's labeled opposite in the video

[@tirinandkatten]

I noticed that too.

[@FromMartiMichell]

Malgosia, We are working hard to make more videos. Thank you for such kind words.

[@PYN111]

great help!

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Super!

[@lorinorman6571]

I have trouble when cutting strips that when I open the strip the area by the fold seems to be slightly smaller than the rest of the strip. How can I prevent that? I cut on the lengthwise grain.