When I’m cutting rag quilt squares, I don’t start with a rotary cutter, I start with a snip and tear.
Fabric is woven from two sets of threads:
• Warp threads run the length of the fabric, parallel to the selvages.
• Weft threads run across the fabric, from selvage to selvage.
The weft threads are woven at a perfect 90° angle to the warp threads during manufacturing. When you tear from one selvage to the other, the fabric naturally follows the path between two weft threads, creating an edge that is exactly on the grain.
This is different from cutting with scissors or even a rotary cutter, where it’s easy to drift slightly off-grain without noticing. Off-grain edges can lead to distortion, twisting, or uneven shrinkage after washing. By tearing first, I let the fabric itself show me where “straight” really is.
My Process for Tearing into Strips and Squares (using pre-washed fabrics)
1. Decide on strip width
For 8-inch squares, I start with strips that are 8 inches wide.
2. Tear the first edge
I make a small snip through the selvage at the measurement mark, then tear from one selvage to the other. This gives me a perfectly straight starting edge on the grain.
3. Measure and tear strips
From that straight edge, I measure 8 inches, make another small snip, and tear again from selvage to selvage. I repeat this until I have enough strips.
4. Stack and align
I stack the strips neatly, keeping the torn edges aligned so everything stays square.
5. Cut into squares
With the strips stacked, I use my rotary cutter and ruler to cut them into 8-inch increments. Because the torn edges are already straight, every square comes out perfectly on the grain.
This method is quick, accurate, and keeps my squares consistent with no more drifting cuts or wonky blocks. Plus, there’s something satisfying about that crisp tearing sound as the fabric gives way along the grain. R x
TIP: If you’d rather use a rotary cutter to cut your strips you can still rip to get the exact edge before you start.
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