Selvedge

The selvedge is the finished edge of a woven fabric, typically running parallel to the warp yarns (the lengthwise threads). It's produced during the weaving process and prevents the fabric from unraveling, fraying, or stretching excessively. Selvedges are usually tightly woven and stronger than the main fabric body. They're essential for providing stability to the material and are often designed to be aesthetically neat. The nature of the selvedge can vary depending on the weave and intended use of the fabric; some are plain, while others might be reinforced or contain information about the fabric. It's an important aspect of fabric quality and its behavior during cutting and sewing.

Selvedge meaning with examples

• When cutting the upholstery fabric for the new sofa, she carefully followed the selvedge to ensure straight cuts and prevent the material from distorting. Preserving the selvedge during the pattern lay out, also ensured she saved a good amount of material. The tightly woven selvedge made cutting easier and created a clean edge on the finished cushions, giving it a high-quality finish that made the sofa stand out.
• The quilter examined the selvedge of the new fabric bolt, noting the printed information about the fabric's composition and washability, and considered which side she wanted to start with. The manufacturer included this info in the selvedge as a useful point of reference. Because she was an avid quilter, she was able to use the selvedge to her advantage, for saving time and making her projects easier to manage.
• He noticed the selvedge of his shirt had frayed significantly after several washes, indicating the fabric's weakening, showing signs of age. Because the selvedge was not as strong as it once was, he began to notice the stitching of the shirt come loose. He decided to reinforce the edge with a new seam, to prevent further fraying and extend the garment's lifespan. He found the selvedge to be a critical weakpoint in his shirt.
• In a garment's construction, the seamstress often uses the selvedge as a guide for aligning and cutting pattern pieces, maximizing fabric use, and reducing the amount of material waste. Utilizing the selvedge is an important skill for a seamstress, it is crucial for efficiency and to give a quality finish. A well-maintained selvedge can reduce time spent, and also provide an added value to the garment.
• The designer chose a fabric with a decorative selvedge featuring a contrasting pattern to add a unique detail to the curtains, the selvedge would hang at the end of the curtains. The decorative selvedge became a key design element, and was considered a critical part of the curtains aesthetics and appeal. This allowed a clean, finished edge and enhanced the overall look. It proved the selvedge's function and appearance.
• She was surprised to find the selvedge of the old canvas was still in excellent condition, withstanding the test of time, unlike the fabric body which was showing age. It allowed the fabric to survive its many years of use. Its durability stood the test of time. The well-preserved selvedge was a testament to the fabric's strength and quality.