Textile Glossary · Construction · Fabric Edge
Selvage (Selvedge)
Selvage (selvedge) is the self-finished edge of a woven fabric that prevents unravelling. In knitting, the equivalent is the edge formed when tubular fabric is slit open for flat processing.
Understanding the Term
The edges that hold fabric together.
In woven fabric, the selvage is formed by the weft thread turning back at each edge of the loom. This creates a tightly bound edge that won't fray — the fabric's built-in finish. Denim enthusiasts prize selvage denim for its clean edge finish and the quality signalling it represents.
In circular knitting (how t-shirt fabric is made), there's no traditional selvage. The fabric is a continuous tube. If the tube is slit for flat processing, the cut edges need to be controlled through tension and finishing rather than woven structure.
For garment construction, selvage edges are useful reference points — they indicate the fabric's grain direction and can be incorporated into hems for a raw, unfinished aesthetic popular in premium denim and some knitwear.
Why It Matters
How fabric edges affect garment construction.
The overlooked detail that signals quality.
01
Fabric Integrity
Clean selvage edges prevent fraying during cutting and sewing. They're the starting point for precision garment construction.
02
Grain Alignment
The selvage runs parallel to the warp (length) grain. Using it as a reference ensures pattern pieces are cut on-grain, which affects how the garment hangs and drapes.
03
Quality Indicator
In weaving, a clean, tight selvage indicates proper loom tension and quality control. In knitting, consistent edge tension indicates well-maintained machinery.
Our Standard
Precision-controlled edges.
Our circular-knit Supima fabric is processed with controlled tension to ensure consistent edges when slit for flat cutting. Every panel is cut on-grain using edge references, ensuring the finished garment hangs correctly and doesn't twist after washing.
0°
Twist
On-grain cutting eliminates post-wash garment twist
Related Terms
Explore more textile terminology.
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Common Questions
Selvage — your questions, answered.
Understanding fabric edges.
Our circular-knit fabric doesn't have traditional woven selvage. But we maintain controlled edges during processing that serve the same purpose — clean references for on-grain cutting.
See It in Practice
On-grain. No twist.
Precision from the cut.
The details you don't notice are the ones we got right.
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