Bree123

Not sure it's a shortcut, but I mark the line with a purple marker & then cut with shears. It's going to be enclosed in the binding anyways so if there's some tiny hesitation marks they'll never show.

meyert

This did cross my mind. I think it would be easier to cut after the sewing.

I did one 4 yard length that was plaid.. and used my scissors and cut on one of the stripes of the plaid (used that as a line to follow and cut on) That worked pretty good

Now I have to do 2 more lengths of solid fabric.. so there will not be a line to follow. Unless I draw one like Bree123 suggested

Tartan

I sew my selvage edges together with about a 1 inch seam. After sewing, I trim off the selvage and leave a 1/2 inch seam on one side and a little less on the other side so the seam is graded and doesn't leave as lumpy a seam.

sewingsuz

I either cut them off with my scissors or a little at a time with the cutter.

meyert

Well I did it! I ripped the selvages off. I was afraid - not sure why. But the fabric ripped easily and wonderfully. I am glad I asked. Thank you!

nativetexan

cut it? yikes. I tore and then couldn't stand the strings so tried to trim it and ended up cutting my thumb. Good luck.

NJ Quilter

Glad to hear you had success ripping. That is what I was going to suggest as well as the others. For short lengths, I'll cut but those long lengths..........rip 'em!

MadQuilter

I tear mine too.

DOTTYMO

I sew same as Tartan but cut off at 1/4" normal seam allowance. The ripping frightens me.

justflyingin

I'm like the others who leave it on, sewing with a larger than normal seam and then trim if necessary. For piecing backs, I normally just press the seams open, esp. if I have made a 1/2" or larger seam.