Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Grainline refers to the direction of the warp threads in a woven fabric. Aligning the pattern pieces with the correct grainline ensures that the garment hangs and stretches correctly during wear.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. A shoulder yoke is a pattern piece that fits across the shoulders (usually at the back of shirts or blouses).
2. The back of the body requires horizontal stretch during movement (such as reaching forward).
3. Woven fabrics have more stretch in the weft direction (crosswise grain) than the warp direction (straight grain).
4. To allow for this horizontal flexibility and to provide maximum strength across the shoulders, the grainline for a back shoulder yoke is placed horizontally.
5. This horizontal placement means the straight grainline runs shoulder-to-shoulder, which is perpendicular to the center back line.
Thus, it is marked perpendicular to the center back.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).