Going against the Grain

Have you ever worn a pair of jeans in which one leg wants to twist or a t-shirt where the side seam has the same tendency? No matter how many adjustments you make, the leg or side side seam continues to twist. Both are examples of clothing in which one of the pieces was not cut on the grain. In fine sewing, care is taken to cut pattern pieces precisely on the grain. The grain line is indicated on each pattern piece.

Also when pinning pieces to the fabric, the pins should be perpendicular to the pattern pieces. To pin parallel will create a subtle but noticeable distortion in the cut piece and ultimately the finished garment.