Selvedge (selvage)
The selvedge is the finished, self-bound edge that runs down both sides of a woven fabric, formed as the weft turns back into the cloth. It does not fray, and it carries the loom tension, so it can be slightly tighter or denser than the body of the cloth.
Usable width is measured inside the selvedges. On some looms the selvedge is a true woven edge; on air-jet and many rapier looms it is a tucked or leno edge, sometimes trimmed and heat-sealed in finishing. A printed selvedge stripe is often used to carry the mill name, colour dots or a direction arrow.
When you order from a mill
When you give a finished width, tell us whether it is edge-to-edge or usable inside the selvedge — it changes the loom width we set. We can add a printed selvedge legend on request.