Fabric Grain and Why It Is Important

Grain is a term that pops up very frequently in sewing discussions.  What is it and why is it important to understand its significance?

When cutting fabric for sewing, grain alignment is an important step that should never be ignored; because two crucial aspects of dressmaking hinges on it.

1. The fall or drape of the garment - also defines wearing comfort.
2. The durability of the garment - when a garment does not stretch where it is supposed to, it tears. 

Check fabric carefully before buying.  

Lengthwise grain show images

Crosswise Grain - Shrinks and stretches  more  ( this is just info I picked up somewhere. Don't know what it really means) show images

Bias Grain show image

After washing

stretching

Grain in printed fabric - don't buy if the pattern and the grain are not properly aligned. Yes. It matters and don't let the salesman convince you otherwise.

Grain lines meeting at seams armholes and sleeves - An experienced tailor knows this but an amateur can become frustrated. show images.

use pins then and then sew.which side on top the one that stretches more or less.

While it is essential to understand what grain means and use it effectively, there is no need to obsess over it.