What is the selvage? How to find the selvage edge of fabric? – Sewing terms and definitions

What is the selvage on fabric? In this video, I will explain what is a selvage and how to find the selvage edge of fabric.

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Learning to sew is hard enough without having to learn all the sewing terms too!

What is the selvage? Basically it is those narrow strips or border that runs down the length of the fabric edges.

They are usually visible by either having a slightly different weave or texture, or sometimes a slight different colour, sometimes there's makers marks and it it has text down the edge.

What is THE SELVAGE?

It is the narrow border on the lengthwise edges of fabric.

SELVAGE EXAMPLE

But in all these cases, the selvage edge of the fabric is woven closed and it dose not fray! And usually has little holes where the hooks held the fabric tight as it was being made!

It is important to know and understand the selvage as then you can find the grain of the fabric, or find the bias. And it can even help you find the wrong and right sides of fabric!

I hope that helped explain the mystery of the selvage!

Until next time...
Bye


Evelyn  xx

Evelyn

Vintage fashion designer and style blogger

  • […] curtains were being delivered that same day. They arrived as promised, the only problem being that the selvage that runs the length of the fabric was visible when the curtains were […]

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