QuiltE

Let me start by saying, I have not been a selvage saver
though I have been considering doing so.

I've started this thread to encourage a discussion about Saving Selvages.
... the good, the bad and the ugly!!!!

Some questions that could help me, and hopefully many other people ....

1. Do you? or Don't you? save selvages.

2. Why do you save selvages?
Do you have an end-purpose-project planned? What?
Do you keep them for historical reference,
in case you need more later?

3. How much do you keep ... width? length?
What do you do with them, once they have been cut off?

4. What questions have I not asked? Please answer those too!!
More commonly known as Other Comments!



Many Thanks to One and All!!
... anything and everything on this subject is most welcome!

Tartan

The only time I save selvages is if I think I might want the information printed on them later. Once the quilt is done and I have no need to search for more of the fabric for binding, I use them as string for tying up packages on quilty gifts. I have seen some amazing quilt, totes, pincushion etc. done with them.

ssnare

I have been saving selvages because there is always someone on this board that wants them. I put them in a ziploc bag and when the bag is full, I post to see if anyone wants them. Our LQS covered a chair with them. That is not for me or my liking. But, to each his own. Someone asked if 1/2" fabric be left on selvage, others like the words and brands on selvages. I just put them in my bag and let the person who gets it decide what they want. I do not measure. You could make cute mug rugs, place mats, table runners, purses, pot holders. You could even make a quilt. That takes lots of selvages

Pat625

I too save the selvages for the colors in case I need to coordintae colors..After that it becomes filling in a dog beg with the rest of my too small to use scraps

nhweaver

I have started to save selvages, trying to be "green, frugal", and helpful to those who want them. I cut about 1/2-3/4" beyond the selvage. I have almost a box full, and hope that someone would want them.

coloradosky

I save the salvages because my DGD loves to play with them when she is at Nanna's house. She ties them on her stuffed animals and makes hair ties for them and then ties them on her plastic horses. She gets quite an enjoyment out of them so the long and short of it, I save them all! I use them when sewing a line to check the stitches whenever I change the bobbin or top thread.

QuiltingNinaSue

QuiltE, if you want to use them; I will save some for you although I usually don't save them. I cut from salvage to salvage for stripping or blocks on making quilts cutting off that 1/4 or one half salvage piece then toss it.

petthefabric

I started saving selvages because someone in my friendship group was using them to make wallets. She wanted everything I could give her.
Now, I keep them in a glass jar and they look pretty on the shelf.
I use them to tie up projects into a bundle, play with the cats, mark out a space on the design wall. I'm thinking of using them to make a purse.
My DH also uses them for whenever he needs a string or cord.
Now my jar never seems to get full-too many uses for them.

QuiltnNan

i began saving them when i read so much about them here on the QB. i thought they make good book titles for a library/bookcase quilt. but i'm moving and just threw mine away this week

Freckles48

They make great plant ties and by the next year have disintegrated into the ground.