Selvages----do you use them and if so, How?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: IN
Posts: 1,807

I've been keeping my selvages for the past decade or so because it used to really upset me to throw away fabric of any kind. I tend to cut the last inch or so of the fabric on the labeled side and much closer to the second side. I use the second side for tying things but the labeled side is pretty to me and perfect for some projects.
I keep the regular labeled ones sorted by color in a clear hanging shoe organizer and the special ones (30s all together, Modern designers Aneela Hoey & Heather Ross) sorted by color clear plastic bins.
So far, I've done mostly small projects like the pinkeeps/needle cases and pincushion below. I've made some selvage squares but have not made a whole top yet. I have friends who have made string quilts with them.
The old thread and tutorial can be found here: Selvage Squares Tutorial
What do you use them for?
I keep the regular labeled ones sorted by color in a clear hanging shoe organizer and the special ones (30s all together, Modern designers Aneela Hoey & Heather Ross) sorted by color clear plastic bins.
So far, I've done mostly small projects like the pinkeeps/needle cases and pincushion below. I've made some selvage squares but have not made a whole top yet. I have friends who have made string quilts with them.
The old thread and tutorial can be found here: Selvage Squares Tutorial
What do you use them for?
#4

A dear person on this board made me a wonderful tote bag and a mug rug of selvages. She inspired me so I then made those, as well as a lap quilt, cosmetic bags, thread catchers (little bags attached to good size pin cushions) water bottle carriers, and gadget holders. By the latter I mean, I stitched the selvages together until I had the equivalent of a quarter yard or so of fabric. I then wrapped that around containers like plastic coffee cans, etc. I attached several pockets for holding scissors, and other tools. A plain lining went inside to use as scrap catchers. I have not figured out how to post pictures since this website changed. But you can also Google lots of ideas.
#9

I have been saving salvages now for only a short time and trying to be sure I leave enough to sew with when I am ready to make something. Not yet though. I love the examples you have shared and I love the shoe carrier as a way to store them. Thanks for sharing.