should i cut this on the bias?

Unless the pattern says to, no. Cut it as the pattern says.

If you choose the proper fabric, it should.

Depends. Yes, usually they are, but there are patterns which use a bias cut.

Unless you're an experienced sewist, don't try to change an on-grain pattern to a bias pattern. If you want a bias skirt, use a pattern for a bias skirt. Cutting on the bias introduces lots of fitting and construction headaches, even if the pattern is intended to be cut that way (check out Kate Dicey's bridesmaid rescue story to see what can go wrong with bias).

If you've really got your heart set on a bias cut skirt, ISTR that Threads or Vogue Pattern Magazine recently ran an article on dealing with a bias cut. Check the Threads website

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net

No pattern number or URL makes this less than helpful...

The grainlines marked on the pattern paper go along the straight grain of the fabric, ie parallel to the selvedges. The pattern has been designed for the grain to go that way. If you alter it, by putting a piece on the bias when it should be on the straight-of-grain, you may find the whole thing turns out a lot longer and narrower than you wanted.

How well something drapes depends on the fabric it's made of as well as whether it's bias-cut. You can't expect a cotton quilting fabric to drape like rayon, even if you cut the cotton on the true bias and the rayon on the straight grain.

Sally

My mistake! I thought I had added the pattern number...it's newlook

After reading your responses, I think I'll just stick to cutting on the grainline like the pattern describes. Once I placed the pieces on the fabric, I noticed that some parts would be cut on the bias (it's a tulip skirt) anyway!