elizajo

I sew clothing more than quilts so I'm comfortable using my long shears to cut away the selvedge in a straight line. That is quicker for me than folding about 100" of backing fabric squarely for the rotary cutter. If I need to cut more than an inch away from the edge of the selvedge, I will tear.

ShirlinAZ

Always remove the selvedge. I try to keep the number of layers I cut through at 4. Any time I cut long strips I fold the fabric to not more than 4 layers, making sure the selvedges are even. Then I use the 4' T-square I bought at the hardware store for cutting drywall. The T-square is aluminum and works just like a quilting ruler - run the rotary cutter along it. The big T-square is one of the best tools I ever brought into the sewing room. I also use it to mark a cutting line on the roll of W&N; mark with a fine Sharpie and cut a straight line with scissors.

RJ

I was taught by a quilt shop owner years ago to sew your seam with a 1" seam and then clip 1/2 inch into the selvage every 2 inches or so along the entire length....it seems to work for me just fine...I am now thinking that I am the only one that does this....I have to remember--there are no quilt police LOL

nancyw

I sew at 1" seam and then cut off half so I have about a 1/2" seam which I the press open.

Lavada

Good advise all thanks

solstice3

I cut it off

grammy Dwynn

Rip selvage off, sew 1/2" seam, press open, BUT leave selvage on outside. That gives the LA a little extra length or width and it will come off when I square up after back from the LA.

sharin'Sharon

One of the first things I learned about fabric in Home Ec class in 1959 was...........ALWAYS cut off the selvage.

nstitches4u

I would remove the selvages before sewing the quilt back together. They don't play well with the rest of the fabric.

spokanequilter

I also use the "clip and rip" method and a half inch seam. I have had other quilters gasp when I tell them I rip the selveges instead of cutting, but that's how I learned way back in Home Ec in junior high and it has always worked for me...