Cutting linen fabric

[karenstitches]

Hi--I bought a large piece of 28-ct linen recently and need to cut some of it off for a project. I know that with linen, you're supposed to pull out one thread to make the line you cut is straight. Does anyone know how to do this? Or am I mistaken about how to cut linen in the first place? Thanks!
Lazy Daze; Navajo Rug project

[bookknurd]

This sounds accurate, as that's how the lady at my LNS cut the linen I recently bought. However, I have no idea how to do it. Sorry.

[karenstitches]

I did some homework. Here's a link that describes it pretty well, although the article itself is kinda wordy.

[kinley626]

Can you post the link again? I wasn't able to grab it. I purchased a yard of linen earlier this year and had to cut it. I measured loads of times and used sewing pins as a help for keeping the cut straight. Although now that I think about it using fishing line (like for gridding) would have worked as well. I was nervous, but pleased with the results. Be sure of your measurements before cutting.

[NeedleAndFork]

When cutting fabric for needlework, I don't bother with the pulling a thread stuff. Instead I just do a quick basting stitch using whatever scraps of thread I have.. just over and under in several stitches, being careful to stay in a straight line, and then use that as my guide to cut sloooooowly. No problems with doing that yet!

[karenstitches]

kinley626, here's the link again: http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/01/cu ... grain.html" target="_blank If it doesn't come through, go to needlenthread (that's the web site) and search from there.

NeedleandFork: The basting thread is a great idea!

[kinley626]

Thanks, karenstitches. I'm going to try this.