i spent the day cutting. off goes the selvedge.

everyone knows to cut off & not use the selvedge because it could cause problems when it is sewn through.

here's the dilemma---if that's true, then how are those items quilted that are MADE from selvedges???

i spent way too much time trying to figure this one out...
hhhhmmmmm.....sounds tricky ...what's your take?

The problem with selvedges is the difference in density that causes puckering if left in your seams when piecing a quilt. In the patterns that are made using the selvedges you don't have that problem since the majority of fabric used is the selvedge itself. This is my take on it anyway.

It's because the whole thing is made from selvedges. Not half fabric and 1/2 selvedge, etc. Therefore it all reacts the same when washed, sewn, etc.
update---Oh I see jmb beat me to the answer!

Okay this is my guess. You cut off the selvage because it is a tighter weave than the rest of the fabric. If you use only selvages, then everything is of the tighter weave.

if you sew through the selvedges, i would think needles would get damaged in a hurry, b/c the weave is so dense...

not really, like sewing any other heavy material. use the right needle.

The only reason selvage is usually cut off is because it could shrink more then the fabric itself. That can cause problems with seams puckering and blocks being distorted. The selvage is not a problem to sew through that I've found.

Most of the items I have seen made out of selvages were not made to be washed, with the exception of a couple of dresses...
I would venture to guess they would shrink at different rates, like the fabric they were cut off from :D:D:D

Not sure about selvages, just learned when I was in Jounior High not to use them. About 54 yrs ago. I cut them off.

Some of the selvedge items are string pieced and just tacked to the backing.