Saving selvages?
 

I'm going to start collecting selvages to make something. What? I haven't a clue.

How wide should my strips need to be to make something from these narrow strips?

Thanks ladies!

1 1/2 to 2 inches

close to an inch or inch and a half works good too. You will have lots of fun when you start with sewing with them. :)

I *think* the answer depends on what you plan to make with them, and whether you want some of the fabric to show in addition to the selvage (which I think is prettier). Here's a snip of info from one blog about selvage quilts - "You will need at least 1/4" of fabric above the actual selvage for this quilt. You can make smaller ones work, but that 1/4" of fabric will make your life easier as you make this quilt. I also like to include peeks of the fabric when I use selvages so for me it's more like a 1/2" to an inch of fabric above the selvage." This is from http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogsp...-selvages.html

I always try to include about 1/2 of the fabric. We have guild memebers making purses and jackets.

As dunster mentioned, it really depends on what you're planning to make. I like to keep a good inch of fabric on there. It's easier to press and I prefer the fabric showing on most selvage projects. People keep some for me, generally selvage only so I use those for smaller gifts. On my blog (address below if you're interested) you'll find some selvage projects and a tutorial that first appeared here on the board. It's a tab under the title and includes a tip on organizing them as you collect. I'm still saving for a someday quilt....collecting can be a long process, especially if you tend to be a scrap quilter. I find many smaller cuts like FQ, 1/4 yards & fat eighths only carry a small portion of the selvage info, if any. Best Wishes & have lots of fun with this new endeavor.

salvages
 

there is a book called quilts from the salvage edge that I found to be most helpful and it has some layouts that are really cool for quilts.

Google is your friend.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/selvage-pillow.html
http://quispamsisquilter.blogspot.co...vage-wall.html
http://www.womenfolk.com/frugal_quil...age_quilts.htm

Here is Karen's blog, she's the woman who wrote the aforementioned book, "Quilts From The Selvage Edge". You will find LOTS of inspiration and projects there!

http://www.selvageblog.blogspot.com/

Thanks ladies! I started looking for the book last night!

I need to cut mine wider and of course I should of asked this prior to starting my next project.....yeee

One of my friends made a gorgeous bag out of salvages. Her stripes were not much bigger then 1.5 inches.