Parrothead

I'm working on a design for a quilt that needs tiny strips. The fabric has some neat strips but one would have part of the selvage in the seam. I have done this with sewing but not quilts. Is it okay?? What would be the problem if it is hidden?

Maride

I don't see why it would be a problem. You can be sure that the seam will never ravel. As long as your colors are not too light for the writing to show through you should be fine. And if it is light and it shows but it is OK with you, who else will mind? Just make sure you enjoy the process.

gollytwo

I've often used part of the selvage (as seam allowance) in quilt blocks; never had a problem
No shrinkage
There probably would be shrinkage if you used large strips.

Bluelady

The selvage will shrink at such a different rate than the rest of the fabric, that it can cause problems after the quilt is washed a few times. It will make it wrinkle and pucker oddly.

JenniePenny

Yes, it's fine. It will be OK.

KathyAire

I agree with Jana. If you have ever seen an older quilt that draws up at a seam it's because the selvage was left on. I've seen it mainly on quilt backings. You will see the seam looking almost like there is a draw string pulling it.

amma

If you have prewashed your fabric, you shouldn't have any problems using the selvedge :D:D:D

Candace

I agree.

hobo2000

I wash my fabric with the selvedge on and have never had it draw up or shrink. Its fabric the same as where it is printed. I have used it for effect within a log cabin block on a quilt for my dog and it gets washed weekly and looks the same as the rest of the quilt. Remember, it is made with the same threads as the rest of the fabric.

ghostrider

Personally, I wouldn't use the selvage in anything, but I think if you trim off the very edge of it to 'slice off' the loops where the weft threads turn back and go the other way, you should be alright. That would create enough ease in the weave so that it wouldn't pull over time. It's a compromise measure. :-D