Selvedge
Also known as: Selvage, Selvedge, Self-edge
Firmly woven longitudinal edge of a fabric that prevents the warp from unravelling.
Description
The selvedge (also selvage, self-edge; German Webkante) is the self-finished lengthwise edge of a woven fabric. It forms when the weft turns around at the end of every pick and the outer warp ends are bound in more densely.
The selvedge is much denser and stronger than the body of the cloth, often woven with heavier yarn or a different binding, and often carries a printed identification stripe (mill, quality, colour code). Traditional shuttle looms produce a closed selvedge ("selfedge"), while modern shuttleless looms create a fringed edge that is thermally or mechanically secured.
- In selvedge denim the closed edge is worn as a design feature (red line) on jean cuffs
- Warp density at the edge can be up to 3× the body
- Usually trimmed at cutting, but defines grain and usable width
Properties
| Function | Prevents fraying |
|---|---|
| Formation | Weft return + denser warp |
| Marking | Often mill stripe/colour code |
| Selvedge denim | Visible red edge line |
| Cutting use | Usually trimmed off |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Selvage Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selvage
