Learn to Sew: Finding the Grainline on the Fabric

Sandra Betzina teaches you to recognize the selvage edge and the grainline of a fabric.  Knowing where the grainline is can be the first step in successful pattern placement.

Pay attention to reading what the fabric suggestion is on the back of the pattern.

Know the difference between a knit and a woven: a woven does not have stretch and a knit does.

The selvage edge is the finished edge.

The cut edge is the edge that has been cut in the fabric store.

On wovens, it’s always a good idea to straighten the cut edge by ripping it.

Usually, you will cut out fabric with selvages together.

Find the pattern piece that has the marked the grain line and put it on the fabric.

The grain line must always be parallel to the selvage.

For more information, read Sandra ’s article, "Cutting Out"