The way the fabric is woven gives it different properties in different directions. When you are cutting a pattern you want to get all the pieces on the same "grain", i.e. a piece that will be vertical on your body should not be cut diagonally on the peace of fabric (unless you cut all the pieces diagonally or on the bias). The grain of the fabric is the natural direction of the fabric. The selvage is the edge of the fabric. When you buy a piece of fabric from the roll, you get two cut edges that fray and two factory edges that look different from the rest of the fabric and don't fray. These edges are the selvage. If the grain of the fabric runs from selvage to selvage that means the natural direction of the fabric (that you should use to line up your pattern pieces) runs straight across the fabric from factory edge to factory edge.
Straight line ending in arrowheads, means "place on straight grain of fabric."
"Cutting on the bias" means cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the straight grain. This technique allows the fabric to have more stretch and drape, making it more fluid and flexible compared to fabric cut along the straight grain.
A grain of fabric refers to the direction of the threads in the fabric. Fabrics have three grains: lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvage edge), crosswise grain (perpendicular to the selvage edge), and bias grain (45-degree angle to the lengthwise or crosswise grain). Each grain behaves differently when fabric is cut or manipulated.
The diagonal direction of fabric is called the "bias." It runs at a 45-degree angle to the threads of the fabric, allowing for greater stretch and flexibility compared to the straight grain or cross grain. This characteristic makes bias-cut fabrics popular in garment construction, as they can drape more fluidly and fit the body's contours better.
The way the fabric is woven gives it different properties in different directions. When you are cutting a pattern you want to get all the pieces on the same "grain", i.e. a piece that will be vertical on your body should not be cut diagonally on the peace of fabric (unless you cut all the pieces diagonally or on the bias). The grain of the fabric is the natural direction of the fabric, usually up and down along the length of the fabric.
When you tear fabric lengthwise, the fibers of the material are pulled apart along the grain, which can create a clean, straight edge. This method often results in a frayed edge that can add texture to the fabric but may also weaken that edge if not finished properly. Tearing fabric along the grain can be useful for certain sewing techniques, as it helps maintain the fabric's structure and reduces the risk of distortion. Additionally, this technique is commonly used in quilting and crafts to achieve precise cuts.
bias
BIAS
BIAS
Cross grain binding has a little more flexibility. If your borders are cut on the straight of grain, cross grain binding is a good choice. It is probably the most common type of binding used as it is both easy to make and an economical use of fabric. Bias binding is binding that is cut at a 45 degree angle from the selvedge.
The fabric for garments is cut in a way that will create the best lay when constructed. Fabric tends to stretch along the grain, which is why abutting seams are typically both cut along the grain.
There are three main types of grain patterns found on wood: straight grain, spiral grain, and interlocked grain. Straight grain runs parallel to the length of the wood, spiral grain spirals around the trunk of the tree, and interlocked grain has alternating patterns that can make it difficult to work with.