Garment & Textile · Cutting
Grain Line
Direction of warp (or lengthwise) yarns in woven fabric; knit wales in knits.
Pronunciation: 🇺🇸 US
/greɪn laɪn/ 🇬🇧 UK/greɪn laɪn/Definition
Direction of warp (or lengthwise) yarns in woven fabric; knit wales in knits.
Industrialist View
Patterns must be cut on grain (parallel to selvedge) for garments to hang properly. Off-grain cuts twist and spiral on the body.
Tailor & Garment-Worker View
Arrow marked on each pattern piece parallel to grain — align with selvedge. 1/16″ off = visible twist.
Construction & Use
Cross-grain = 90° to grain; bias = 45°.
Related Terms
Bias, Selvedge, Warp & Weft