What does selvages mean in sewing?
A selvage is the tightly woven edge of a fabric. It prevents the side edges of the fabric from raveling or fraying. The selvage, because it’s densely woven, is sturdier than the rest of the fabric, so it can be more difficult to sew through.
Which side is selvedge?
Fabric selvage is the tightly woven edge that runs along each side of a piece of fabric’s lengthwise grain, which is also called the fabric’s warp. Selvage edges can be seen on the edges of quilting fabric that are at the top and bottom of a bolt of fabric.
What is meant by selvage?
Definition of selvage 1a : the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling specifically : a narrow border often of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave. b : an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded.
What is the function of selvage?
A selvage’s main purpose is to prevent unraveling or fraying, which makes a fabric stable and secure. Some fabrics come with frayed edges for aesthetic purposes. A selvage’s self-finished edge makes sure that this fraying won’t come undone and affect or damage the rest of your fabric.
What can I do with fabric selvages?
25+ Amazing Fabric Selvage Projects
- Armrest pincushion.
- Armchair makeover.
- Christmas pillow.
- Christmas tree.
- Dresser makeover.
- Extreme lamp makeover.
- Framed selvages.
- Funky chicken pincushion.
How many selvages does a fabric have?
Selvages are the finished edges of the fabric. Fabrics are woven with threads going lengthwise and crosswise. This is called the grain of the fabric. Fabric has two selvages and measuring from selvage to selvage is referred to as “width of fabric”.
Why are collars interfaced?
Applying interfacing to the upper collar will prevent the seam allowance from showing through on the right side of the finished collar. Sew-in interfacing be sewn in place when the collar is staystitched. After staystitching the interfacing, trim the interfacing close to the stitching.
What is leno selvedge?
Leno selvedge: Leno selvedge is formed by one or more pairs of strong, highly tensioned ends that interface with the weft on the leno principle. Warp threads are crossed and interwoven into the edges of the fabric.
What is lengthwise grain?
Lengthwise grain refers to the threads in a fabric which run the length of the fabric, parallel to the selvage of the fabric. Crosswise grain is the threads that run perpendicular to the selvage of the fabric or the cut edge of the fabric as it comes off the bolt.
What is a raw edge?
Definition of raw edge : an unfinished, rough, or undecorated edge (as at the top of a piece of holloware or at the margin of a piece of textile) — compare selvage.
Can I use the selvage?
The selvage edges of fabric are sometimes printed, as in this example, and sometimes not as in most batiks. Nevertheless, you should cut them off and not use them in your patchwork piecing. Even though it may be tempting to leave the selvage intact when you are piecing the backing of a quilt, it’s best to remove them.
What can you do with a selvage edge?
Recently sewists have discovered new ways to use the lowly selvage edge, not only for creating fabulous projects but also as inspiration for mixing and matching colors with fabric prints. Like Jodie’s fantastic selvage edge dress posted at her blog, Vintage Ric-rac!
Which is the best description of a selvage?
A selvage (US English) or selvedge (British English) is a self-finished edge of fabric. The selvages keep the fabric from unraveling or fraying. The selvages are a result of how the fabric is created.
Where does the selvage go in a fabric?
A fabric’s selvage is considered to be a part of a woven fabric’s anatomy, commonly found at both edges of the fabric. It’s sturdier than the rest of the material because it’s densely woven, which means it may be a little more difficult to sew through.
What does the term selvage mean in knitting?
In knitted fabrics, selvages are the unfinished yet structurally sound edges that were neither cast on nor bound off. Historically, the term selvage applied only to loom woven fabric, though now can be applied to flat- knitted fabric .