What in the world is the selvage on a pattern? I'm getting conflicting answers. Is it the cut edge of the fabric, or is it the uncut edge? If you're supposed to fold the fabric and trace the patterns, it will tell you, right? If in the cutting instructions it shows the fabric with the pieces and two of the ends are labeled selvage, do I fold it? This is my first time using a pattern, and I'm trying to get this done by Tuesday night (I'm making a capelet for a Halloween costume), so only real answers, please.
2007-10-27 17:55:47 · 6 answers · asked by tn_lovett 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Okay, so it's late and I didn't read my question. The word "how" should not be there. Oops. :)
2007-10-27 17:57:22 · update #1
A selvage edge might better be referred to as the finished edge of the fabric. It runs along the length of the fabric. Usually when you buy fabric it is folded and wrapped on a bolt. The selvage edges will be together at one end of the bolt (usually at the bottom when it's on the shelf) and the fold will be at the other end of the bolt.
sel·vage
1. the edge of woven fabric finished so as to prevent raveling, often in a narrow tape effect, different from the body of the fabric.
When you lay out the fabric to cut it, the pattern cutting layout will show you how the fabric is to be folded or not folded. Most of the time you will lay out the fabric folded in half lengthwise with the two selvage edges lying one on top of the other, just as the fabric was folded on the bolt. But for some pieces in some patterns this layout does not work, so another layout is chosen. Look at the layout carefully. If the layout shows the selvedge edges at two ends of the fabric, you either have to lay out the fabric with no fold (single layer) or there is a crosswise fold. This might be the case for a capelet if it is too wide to be cut another way. The layout should also indicate where the fabric is folded. Also the pattern pieces will say whether to cut one or two of a piece and if one edge of a pattern piece is to be laid along a fold the pattern piece will say so. Read your pattern instructions carefully before you layout and cut your capelet out. Make sure you understand what you are going to be doing with the pieces. That will help the cutting instructions make sense. Good luck! I hope this helps.
2007-10-27 19:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by treebird 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The selvage edges are the two edges of fabric that are not cut. They also follow the lengthwise grain of the fabric.
the cut edge refers to the edge where they cut it off of the bolt or roll of fabric. this follow the cross grain of the fabric.
Good luck on your capelet! I am sure it will turn out fine.
PS. Most Home Ec teachers are glad to help members of the public as well. Try contactig your local High School or Junior High. Also, if you have 4-H in your area, contact your local Extension Office and they can put you in touch with a 4-H sewing leader that could help you lay it out. After your pattern is layed out and cut, it will work up quickly.
2007-10-27 18:14:39 · answer #2 · answered by ricksuearmour 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Selvage is the uncut edge of the fabric. The directions usually do tell you to fold, and show pictures. Good luck!
2007-10-27 18:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gonna make it easy for you. Cut out your pattern and selvage is what you wont need to sew for your pattern.
2007-10-28 05:22:27 · answer #4 · answered by Mommiedearest 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One of the best places to sewing questions is Simplicity's site. Here is a link to "selvage".
http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=section/sewtips/SewFaq.htm#Q3
2007-10-27 18:29:54 · answer #5 · answered by mysteryperson 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
from the mumbers of replies you got, it seems not many people know / understand what you are talking about...
I for one cannot get what you are asking...
2007-10-27 18:08:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋