cutting fabric on the bias?

 
I am cutting a pattern for a bow tie and it says to cut the fabric on the bias. Does it have to be exactly at exactly 45 degrees? And how do you do that?

thank all-
lynn

The easiest way is to measure out a square. (It's not necessary to cut out a square. I usually layout my fabric and mark a line with my chalker for a perfect square.) Next, fold the square in half to make 2 triangles. Press the fold and when you open your fabric back up, the crease is your 45 degree angle bias cut.
This might be confusing, but this blog post for cutting bias strips might help: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=527

Irene, thank you for your post. Is there another method so that I don't have to waste fabric by cutting it (into a square)? How important is it that the tie is cut at 45 degrees do you think? Can I just place the pattern on the fabric at an angle eyeballing it?

thanks-
lynn

Is there a directional arrow printed on your pattern piece? Usually, if a pattern piece requires that it is cut on a bias, there's usually an arrow that helps you line it up correctly.

Basically, you simply turn your pattern piece until the arrow and selvege are parallel. If you don't have an arrow, then I think you can eye-ball it. At least that's what I would do! 

Eyeball it - no need to be that specific unless you are considering a design on the fabric? 
Unfortunately, cutting on the bias makes a lot of waste.

I know it has been a while since the last post, but I wanted to share a YouTube video with you.

http://youtu.be/lDPlgSCLDMM

It shows you how to make a continuous bias strip. I saved so much fabric doing this method.