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My top ended up a little bigger than I expected, and my back is not much wider than the top. I am nervous about quilting it. Would it be ok to leave the selvage on to grab a few extra millimeters? I know it does not behave like the rest of the fabric, but neither does binding, so will it make any difference?
Fortune favours the prepared mind
"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein
I wouldn't because I think you might get uneven shrinkage when the quilt is washed. That's just my opinion, though. I've never tried it.
Lynda in OH
www.colormequilted.com
Meh, I've done it. Not a big deal.
If you have to use the selvedge, you might try snipping into it every inch or 2 after you've sewn the first side of the binding on. It's more tightly woven and often shrinks up more.
The thing you need to worry about is that it will really pull up after washing. If you have pre-washed & dried it, it will probably not pull up any more. If not, then nanibi's idea of snipping it is a good one.
"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
I think you'll be fine. Sometimes you just have to fudge things a bit. All's fair in love and quilting!
I have done it.. but did clip the first few theads every few inches, so if there is more shrinkage in the selvage it will not distort.
I have done it and I was fine but I'd I make quilts for others I cut it off just to be on the safe side.
If you need the extra, then use it. Just clip the selvage inside the 1/4 inch seam allowance edge once you sew the binding on. Hopefully the fabric is printed right to the edge? I hate those new large selvages that are unprinted or have huge printing.
I'm more concerned that your backing will not be big enough when you start quilting if it is already so small that the selvage is where the binding would be. Usually you would allow 1-4 inches all around extra backing, not just enough.
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