I have been having a terrible time trying to follow a grainline on some cotton/lycra knit I want to use for underpants. I’m wearing my reading glasses and using a magnifier and it’s still horrendous.
There must be some other over 50 sewers out there who have a better answer to this problem. Help!!! I’m ready to throw out a bunch of perfectly good fabric.
Nancy
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Replies
Don't get your knickers in a twist ( sorry, couldn't resist).
First issue, how off grain can you get with the length and width of fabric you will be cutting? I wouldn't worry too much as long as you're close. Only long garments really show the effects of straying from the grain line as it happens over a larger expanse.
My solution is to fold it lengthwise and smoothe it. If the selvages stay lined up with each other and the fabric lies smoothly without rippling your fold is along the grain. If it's a short enough piece you can fold it and then pick it up at each end of the fold and give a bit of a shake to get all the wrinkles out. Lay it back down, smoothe it and check if your selvages are parallel.
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