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Member since 8/28/10
Posts: 550
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Posted on: 7/21/11 6:03 PM ET
It's way too hot to sew, can't imagine turning on the iron, so I'm doing some cutting of future projects.

I'm working with an odd-shaped remnant of lightweight 4-way stretch bamboo lycra knit. It has about the same stretch (lots) in both directions, so if this was just about cutting on the true crossgrain -- no problem. But, my pattern piece (skirt front) will only fit if I fold the fabric off-grain (about 1 1/2 inches difference over the 27 inches of length from midriff to hem). Tried many layouts; this is it.

I should not do this, right?? I'm going to get twisting, right?? Somebody stop me!

(Or, tell me it might be OK.)
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marjoriekh
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2683
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Posted on: 7/22/11 10:33 AM ET
It might be ok. If the only way to use the fabric is the way you described, then you aren't losing anything by cutting it that way. Use it or lose it! If it works, great; if it doesn't work you have just learned a great lesson in grainlines on 4 way stretch knits.
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JanieV
  
Member since 8/28/10
Posts: 550
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Posted on: 7/22/11 10:56 AM ET
Thanks, Janie. OK -- I've now cut it.

Since it's a remnant, I'm not out much if it goes wrong. The piece seems to drape fine in its cut state, but we'll see upon assembly. I will report back the results one I've sewn it, in case anyone else out there wants to take this chance.
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marjoriekh
  
Member since 6/4/07
Posts: 800
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Posted on: 7/22/11 11:56 AM ET
Can you sew on a scrap to make the fabric wider and call it a design feature?

ETA: Oops, I see that you have cut it already!
-- Edited on 7/22/11 12:09 PM --
  
Member since 6/23/06
Posts: 3135
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Posted on: 7/22/11 1:39 PM ET
In reply to marjoriekh
Let us know how it worked. I did this once with a "remnant" piece of knit - it was pinstriped and the stripes were "painted" (or fused) on, off grain, so I cut on the stripes instead of the grain. It didn't work and ended up in the rubbish bin. At least it was only a $2 wadder.
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Sewing is my therapy!
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
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Posted on: 7/22/11 8:43 PM ET
When I sew striped knits, I always lay the bottom edge of the shirt and sleeve pattern piece even with the stripe, even if that makes it crooked. I've never had trouble.
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
Member since 11/4/02
Posts: 813
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Posted on: 7/23/11 5:32 AM ET
Hope it works out OK. I know I've seen several RTW knit tops that are way off grain (say, 15 degrees or more).
  
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