Lengthwise and crosswise grain

The two thread directions in woven fabric. Lengthwise grain runs parallel to the selvage and usually has less stretch than the crosswise direction; crosswise grain runs selvage to selvage.

Also called: straight grain, cross grain, warp and weft

The bias runs diagonally between the two grains and has the most give.

Two directions, and the diagonal

The lengthwise threads, the warp, run parallel to the selvages. The crosswise threads, the weft, run across the width of fabric. The diagonal between them is the bias, which has the most give.

Which to cut along

Lengthwise grain usually has the least stretch, so long borders cut that way stay straighter. Crosswise grain has a little more give, and most quilting strips, including binding strips for straight edges, are cut selvage to selvage. A pattern’s grainline arrow tells you which way a piece should run.

Where this comes from

Utah Education Network, sewing and textile terminology, checked 2026-10-27

Tools that use this

Everyday Measure · everydaymeasure.com/glossary/lengthwise-and-crosswise-grain/