Selvage Edge: to trim or not to trim

**willys05tj** · 07-09-2018, 07:19

On my hammocks it’s part of the hem. Other projects I trim it.

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**scrope** · 07-09-2018, 15:03

Usually I trim it off. For example, I just made a 5.25 oz. ultralight hammock and the edges have a 3/16" hem so there isn't room to fold the selvage into the hem.

**virorum** · 07-09-2018, 20:40

How does everyone cut there fabric? I always have issues with the edges un raveling

**DuctTapeMessiah** · 07-09-2018, 21:24

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

But more important, I can gain useable width by trimming the selvage. Sounds illogical? It isn't if you don't want those holes to show. For example if the holes are 1" into the fabric, I would need to make my rolled hem 1". Suppose the fabric has a width of 60". If I do a 1" rolled hem on both sides, I end up with a finished width of 56". However, if I cut off 0.7", the fabric is 58.6" wide after trimming, and I can do a 0.3" rolled hem. So I loose another 1.2" and end up with a finished width of 57.4". For me, a gain of 1.4" in width is substantial - especially with a hammock.

Good info. I never thought about it that way.

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**DuctTapeMessiah** · 07-09-2018, 21:25

Originally Posted by scrope

Usually I trim it off. For example, I just made a 5.25 oz. ultralight hammock and the edges have a 3/16" hem so there isn't room to fold the selvage into the hem.

Impressive hem width. Did you use a rolled hem presser foot?

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**hutzelbein** · 07-10-2018, 02:45

Originally Posted by virorum

How does everyone cut there fabric? I always have issues with the edges un raveling

I use a hot knife. If you DIY a lot, it's a good investment. If you don't, you could convert a soldering iron if you have one. Or seal the edges (carefully!!) with a lighter.

**scrope** · 07-10-2018, 13:13

Originally Posted by DuctTapeMessiah

Impressive hem width. Did you use a rolled hem presser foot?

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I have a hem foot but so far it's been very fussy and I haven't figured out how to use it to make a reliable hem. I need more practice with it.

I used to make quilts with 1/4" hems so I'm used to a smallish hem. This isn't much more difficult. It just requires going slow and attention to detail. With some practice I'm sure anybody would be able to do it eventually.

Normally I stick with a 1/4" hem but I was trying to push myself this time to see how small I could make it.

**Codea1991** · 07-13-2018, 22:01

Hammocks and quilts it’s always part of my hem (sometimes only on one side of my quilts). Most other things it gets shaved off. Sometimes I leave it on tarps but do a fold or a roll hem.