A garment cut on this grain will wear the longest because of the strong threads. Most garments are cut on the length grain because it drapes well and the threads are strong.Has the least amount of stretch because the warp threads are usually the strongest and closest together.Runs parallel to the selvedges, or tightly woven sides to a piece of fabric.Here are a few additional tips to help you understand each type of grain. A dress that’s cut on true bias will drape and cling nicely, but if it’s cut off grain, or at an angle that’s not 45 degrees from the length or cross grains, it will twist and look and feel unpleasant.
Grain is also important for a garment that’s cut on bias. (Sometimes it’s fine to use the cross grain instead, and I’ll talk more about that below.) It’s important to cut your garments so they are on grain because if they’re cut off grain they will torque, twist, and generally hang awkwardly. When you see grain arrows on your pattern pieces, they are usually intended to line up with the lengthwise grain on your fabric. Bias, however, is at a 45-degree angle to the length and cross grains. Lengthwise and crosswise grain are both straight grains that align with the threads in woven fabric. But don’t worry it’s not very complicated. It’s important for draping and cutting apparel, and it’s crucial to understand so your sewing projects will be successful.
Grain is the direction of the weave in fabric. What exactly is the grain, and why is it important? When you first learn to sew you might wonder why every pattern piece has a grain arrow on it.