1. In woven fabrics:
* Crossgrain is the direction perpendicular to the warp (lengthwise) and weft (widthwise) threads.
* It's also known as the "selvedge" or "wale", which are the edges of the fabric.
* Fabric is generally more stretchy and flexible in the crossgrain direction.
2. In wood:
* Crossgrain refers to the direction of the wood fibers relative to the face of the board.
* "Across the grain" means the fibers are perpendicular to the surface, which makes the wood weaker and more prone to splitting or chipping.
* "With the grain" means the fibers run parallel to the surface, making the wood stronger and easier to work with.
In general:
* Crossgrain is important for understanding the properties and behavior of different materials.
* It affects strength, flexibility, and durability.
* It's essential knowledge for various crafts, such as woodworking, sewing, and weaving.
Here are some examples:
* Sewing: When cutting fabric for a garment, you want to cut along the grain to ensure the fabric doesn't stretch unevenly.
* Woodworking: Cutting wood across the grain can make it more difficult to sand and finish smoothly.
* Weaving: The crossgrain direction of a fabric can affect how it drapes and feels.
Understanding crossgrain can help you choose the right materials for your projects and ensure that your finished products are well-made and durable.