Why do we cut off the Selvages?

[Lilly]

It's a given, but why? Other than to get rid of the white or whatever trim and the writing on the side? It seems like the selvage gives stability to the fabric and helps that whole seam keep from raveling. Some selvages have the material right up to the edge - why not use it?
Ok - guess you know I'm a newbie!

[ilive2craft2]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

My understanding is that the weave is different or might even be different weight material and therefore could shrink differently than the rest of the material.

[madampolo]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

I agree with Lisa. It acts differently than the rest of the fabric.

[MomGram]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

Yep what Lisa said...... At least that's what I've been told. However this could be one of those quilting myths. LOL.

[PeggyM]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

I concur with what everyone else has said.

[Denis]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

Some selvages have tiny holes in them. Hold your fabric up to the light and you'll see this better. You wouldn't want these holes to be visible on your quilt top.

[SuzyQue]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

The selvages do draw up when the fabric is washed...thus do not lay as flat and straight....it has to do with the weave. .....or at least that is what I have been told so many times that I have accepted it.....just always cut them off!

[Hulamoon]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

You cut them off to make quilts!

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...24.nWebCBR5BNs

[Mpyles]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

You cut them off to make quilts!

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...24.nWebCBR5BNs

Lol! Yep!!

[SuzyQue]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

The first time that I heard of anyone using selvages, I about died laughing.....then I learned of some using dog ears!! NOT me!

[momtutor]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

Talk about not wasting any of your fabric, and using every little scrap. Some of those are really cool looking. Who would of thought?
Ingenious.

[coffeebreak]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

I heard that if you cut off the salvage, the rest of the fabric won't shrink. And the reason fabric goes wonky when pre washed..and you try to line up the salvage edges and it won't make an even fold edge so you have to make the salvages uneven in order to get an even fold...is because the salvage edges are what shrink and cause the wonkiness in the fabric fold. I haven't tried cutting it off before pre washing yet, but next time I buy, I will.

[coffeebreak]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

You cut them off to make quilts!

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...24.nWebCBR5BNs

I've seen this done before, but...salvages are so narrow in the first place, how is there anything to use as the seam on both sides and still have enough to do this??? I don't get it!1!!!!!!

[Hulamoon]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

I've seen this done before, but...salvages are so narrow in the first place, how is there anything to use as the seam on both sides and still have enough to do this??? I don't get it!1!!!!!!

I think you have to leave a little fabric on for color and some allowence, and they are paper pieced. I'm not sure about this but the salvage side can be just top stitched because it won't fray. I'm just guessing though.


Here is a cute tute
http://quispamsisquilter.blogspot.co...ilt-block.html

[soul60s]

Re: Why do we cut off the Selvages?

It's a given, but why? Other than to get rid of the white or whatever trim and the writing on the side? It seems like the selvage gives stability to the fabric and helps that whole seam keep from raveling. Some selvages have the material right up to the edge - why not use it?
Ok - guess you know I'm a newbie!

Really glad you asked. You're not the only newb.