Understanding Selvage in Sewing: What Every Sewist Should Know
Introduction
When you delve into the world of sewing, you’ll quickly encounter various terms and techniques that may seem a bit confusing at first. One such term that often raises questions is “selvage.” What exactly is selvage in sewing, and why is it so important? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the concept of selvage, its significance in sewing, and how you can work with it to improve your sewing projects.
What is Selvage? (selvage sewing in fabric)
The selvage, often spelled as “selvedge,” is the self-finished edge of a piece of fabric. It’s the tightly woven edge that runs parallel to the fabric’s lengthwise grain (warp), and it’s created during the weaving process. The selvage is distinct from the cut edges of the fabric, which are frayed and prone to unraveling. It’s typically a bit denser and stiffer than the rest of the fabric.
Why is Selvage Important? (selvage sewing in clothes)
The selvage plays a significant role in sewing, and understanding its importance is key to producing high-quality garments and projects. Here are some reasons why the selvage is crucial:
- Stability: The selvage is the most stable and least stretchy part of the fabric. It doesn’t easily warp or distort when you handle it. This stability makes it an ideal reference point for taking measurements and ensuring your pattern pieces are aligned correctly.
- Preventing Fraying: Since the selvage is tightly woven and finished, it doesn’t unravel like the cut edges of the fabric. This is especially important when dealing with delicate or loosely woven fabrics.
- Directional Grain: The selvage is a valuable reference point for maintaining the fabric’s grain. Fabrics have a lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvage) and a crosswise grain (perpendicular to the selvage). When cutting pattern pieces, aligning them with the selvage ensures that the garment drapes and hangs correctly.
- Design and Brand Information: Selvages often contain information about the fabric’s manufacturer, fiber content, and sometimes even the print name. This can be helpful for identifying the fabric and its care instructions.
To learn about How to setup a sewing machine.
Using Selvage in Your Sewing Projects (selvage sewing projects):
Now that you understand the importance of the selvage, let’s explore how to use it effectively in your sewing projects:
- Grainline: To maintain the fabric’s grain, align your pattern pieces parallel to the selvage. The pattern’s grainline indicator should match the selvage. This is particularly crucial when working with directional prints or fabrics that need to drape a certain way.
- Measurements: When measuring and cutting fabric, it’s a good idea to start from the selvage. This ensures that your measurements are consistent and that your fabric won’t stretch or warp as you work with it.
- Selvage as Seam Allowance: In some cases, you can use the selvage as your seam allowance, saving you the trouble of hemming or finishing the raw edge. This is especially handy for quick, no-frill projects or when you want to reduce bulk in seams.
- Selvage for Decorative Edges: The selvage can add a decorative edge to your projects, especially if it features a distinctive pattern or texture. You can incorporate the selvage into hems, cuffs, or as a design element.
- Selvage for Piping and Trims: The selvage can be used to create piping or trims for your projects. Its stability and neat finish make it a great choice for adding a professional touch to your garments.
- Selvage for Labeling: If your fabric selvage contains useful information like fiber content or care instructions, you can keep a piece of it as a label for your finished garment. This can be helpful when you’re sorting your handmade pieces in your wardrobe.
How to Sew Letters in Sewing Machine
Selvage in Different Fabrics (selvage in different ways):
It’s important to note that selvages can vary depending on the type of fabric. Here are a few examples:
- Woven Fabrics: In woven fabrics, selvages are typically clean and tightly woven, often featuring a colored stripe or brand information. These are very easy to identify and work with.
- Knit Fabrics: In knit fabrics, selvages can be less obvious. They may look like a series of loops or a single row of chain stitches. It’s important to identify and stabilize the selvage in knit fabrics, as they are more prone to stretching.
- Selvage on Selvage: Some fabrics have a “selvage on selvage” design, where the selvage contains a pattern that mirrors the main fabric’s design. This type of selvage can be creatively used in your projects, making it a design feature rather than just a practical edge.
Tips for Working with Selvage (tips to selvage in sewing machine):
To make the most of selvage in your sewing projects, consider the following tips:
- Stabilize the Selvage: If you’re using the selvage as a seam allowance or incorporating it into your design, it’s a good idea to stabilize it with a little fusible interfacing. This prevents the selvage from fraying and adds structure.
- Inspect the Selvage: Before starting a project, examine the selvage for any marks or stains, as these can affect the final look of your project. Cut away any unwanted portions of the selvage.
- Aligning Patterns: Pay close attention to the fabric’s pattern and design, especially if you’re working with directional prints. Align your pattern pieces with the selvage to ensure the design flows smoothly across your project.
- Trimming the Selvage: If the selvage is significantly wider than your seam allowance, trim it to the desired width before sewing. This reduces bulk in the seam and allows for a smoother finish.
- Experiment and Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with selvage in your projects. Try using it in unexpected ways, like creating decorative cuffs, waistbands, or even fabric jewelry. The selvage can add unique touches to your creations.
Conclusion:
The selvage is a hidden gem in the world of sewing. Understanding its role and how to work with it can elevate the quality of your sewing projects. Whether you’re using it to maintain the fabric’s grain, add decorative elements, or create professional finishes, the selvage is a versatile tool that every sewist should have in their toolkit. So, the next time you’re working with fabric, don’t forget to give the selvage the attention it deserves, and let it enhance the beauty and functionality of your handmade creations. What is Selvage in Sewing Fabric.
