How do I know if it's with the grain or against it.?

Question

I am making some rag dolls from an old remnant piece of fabric that doesn't have the no original edges on it.. How do I tell if I am placing the pattern on it, in the correct direction. I am very new to sewing so be nice..lol

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I'm assuming you're using something like a woven cotton.  Locate the yarns that are perpendicular to one another, and stretch first along one grainline and then on the other.  The direction of greater stretch is usually the crossgrain.  I'd call it that and use the other grainline to match up your grainline arrows to.  Typically also, the warp yarns (the ones that make up the lengthwise grain) are closer together than the weft yarns (crossgrain yarns).  (Bad joke: crossgrain goes from wight to weft)

In truth, however, for a project like a rag doll, the grainline isn't going to make a great deal of difference.

Maybe some help for you in a series of small photo tutorials I did: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20946606  http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20946722 http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20946740

Jas · Answer

Basically the rule of thumb is.. when it stretches it's with the grain, if it doesn't stretch when pulled it's not with the grain.

How do I know if it's with the grain or against it.?

2 Answers