Cutting the selvages off fabic
#11
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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There was a thread a while ago when someone asked if he/she should cut the selvages off before washing the fabric. In my opinion, the answer to that is: No. No. No.
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,402
I cut the selvedge off when I use the fabric - I keep it in a bin and when there is enough I send it to someone that wants it. My fabric gets washed when it comes into the house. That way I don't need to do it when I start to use it. Ironing will wait until it is used though.
#18
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,585
I don't trim the selvages until I'm cutting the pieces for my blocks.
Iceblossom, I've had red that ran and ran and ran, again, again and again. I discovered a product made and sold by Ritz Dye -- it stopped my bleeding problem, so I use it all the time. I also test all my fabric before I wash it -- if it bleeds, it gets treated. As you so correctly pointed out, it only takes one time -- I can't afford to have a quilt ruined by bleeding, and I can't afford to throw fabric away if it bleeds. So, I treat it, then test it again -- I've never had to treat fabric the second time, but discretion is the better part of valor, so I DO use color catchers.
Iceblossom, I've had red that ran and ran and ran, again, again and again. I discovered a product made and sold by Ritz Dye -- it stopped my bleeding problem, so I use it all the time. I also test all my fabric before I wash it -- if it bleeds, it gets treated. As you so correctly pointed out, it only takes one time -- I can't afford to have a quilt ruined by bleeding, and I can't afford to throw fabric away if it bleeds. So, I treat it, then test it again -- I've never had to treat fabric the second time, but discretion is the better part of valor, so I DO use color catchers.
#19
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Some where in way out West Texas
Posts: 3,041
Jeanette, what is the name of the Ritz product you found to prevent bleeding? Would you pm me the info please. Thanks.
I prewash all of my fabrics and had a DWR queen size I made for my daughter several years ago, bleed when it was washed. I had prewashed all of the fabric before cutting it out an thought all was good to go but the green still bled after the quilt was made and I could never get it out.
I never cut the selvage off until I am ready to use the fabric and save it sometimes so if I need more of the same fabric. I always leave a little on the piece to be sure of the grain of the fabric - old school teaching for me.
Funny to run across this thread after just reading about salvaging your selvage on Mayra at So Sew Easy with her free Romper pattern. You might want to check it out and read the article.
I prewash all of my fabrics and had a DWR queen size I made for my daughter several years ago, bleed when it was washed. I had prewashed all of the fabric before cutting it out an thought all was good to go but the green still bled after the quilt was made and I could never get it out.
I never cut the selvage off until I am ready to use the fabric and save it sometimes so if I need more of the same fabric. I always leave a little on the piece to be sure of the grain of the fabric - old school teaching for me.
Funny to run across this thread after just reading about salvaging your selvage on Mayra at So Sew Easy with her free Romper pattern. You might want to check it out and read the article.
Last edited by Gerbie; 10-02-2018 at 12:47 AM.
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