Using fabric selvage
 

My current quilt project is 45" square. The width of the fabric I want to use for the border is just a little bit longer than this, about 45 1/8. If I cut 4 border strips and use another color block for the corners I'll have just enough without having to cut a fifth strip and then sew two pieces together and have seams in the border. But in doing this the selvage will be part of the seam allowance.

My question is - is is okay to sew things such that the selvage will be part of the seam allowance or should I cut that 5th strip and make things a bit "choppy?"

I hope this makes sense. I would rather use just the 4 strips but if having a selvage in the seam allowance is a big technical no-no I won't do it.

Have you washed the fabric?

sometimes the selvage shrink more than the rest of the fabri.

If I have to use the selvage, I would clip it ( up to the seam line ) at approximately two 8nch intervals.

You could put 3 blocks in each corner so they kind of wrap the corner. I’ve done that when I didn’t have enough fabric to make more than 4 border strips. I actually like to do that. I don’t care much for pieced borders.

Yes, all washed (twice and in hot water) so I don't have to worry about additional shrinkage.

Oh, great idea, I never even thought of that.

Another option is a block 1/2 way along the sides.
Of course, we have no idea as to the quilt pattern/design,
as to whether these are realistic options.

I always prewash and have used the selvage when I was short as long as the selvage has the same feel as the fabric. Some are stiff. I haven't had a problem yet.
Lynda