Quilts with selvage edges used
 

When I took up quilting 6 years ago, I was told to cut off the selvage edges and I always have (saved them all and used them by themselves), but I was given 4 quilts to quilt by a new customer and every one of the quilts and backings have the selvage edges incorporated into the quilt seams. She tells me that she has never cut off her selvage edges and I am wondering if this will make a difference when the quilt is washed. She also never pre-washes her fabrics.

Anyone ever made a quilt like this and washed it? I would love to know how it turns out!

I think the selvage is denser and does not shrink consistantly with the rest of the fabric. I ALWAYS remove my selvages

I don't ever use the selvage in the top. If I use it on the back, I will often snip it along the seam, so when the quilt is washed, it has a chance to shrink evenly.

I think the problem with the selvedges shrinking would show up most in the long seams. Could cause them to wrinkle.

The selvage will definitely shrink differently. If she chooses to piece with selvage that's her prerogative but if I were quilting it I would ask the seams be ripped out, then resewn with 1/2" seams pressed open. You could offer to do it but I'd certainly charge for it. It's up to us to sometimes educate our clients,

I offered to longarm a couple of comfort quilts for a local quilt shop owner. I was amazed to see that she hadn't cut off the selvages on her quilt backs. (She did sew wide seams on them, however.) This person has been quilting *forever* and I'm quite sure she knows what she's doing. I still plan to continue cutting off the selvage for my own quilts.

I agree with the educating our clients. Funny thing, her mom used to own the quilt shop in their town and she teaches home ec, so she used to teach sewing! I am just worried that the selvage will not shrink the same...especially down the long seams of the backing. Oh well, I'll do my custom quilting on the quilts and what happens after that is on them :( but I like my work to look good even after washing! But the selvages are even used in the quilt tops, so I could not take them apart and put it back together again. Really shocked me!

I would also worry about quilting it. With the tighter weave of the selvege in the quilt, it might make a problem on the LA.

Breaking thread and needles as it moves through these spots. Be careful.
peace

why would you want to see the selvages? I do admit on some cuts I might have left a tad of selvage and had no bad results from doing so. but I dont' want it seen. usually it's caught up in the seam allowance and I've had no troubles in doing that.