Selvage vs. Selvedge — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Selvage and selvedge both refer to the edge of fabric that prevents unraveling, but their spelling varies by regional preference.
Difference Between Selvage and Selvedge
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Key Differences
Selvage is a term primarily used in American English to describe the edge of fabric, particularly woven, which is finished to prevent fraying. This term is commonly found in the contexts of sewing and textile manufacturing. On the other hand, selvedge is the British English spelling of the same word, used in similar contexts but favored in regions such as the UK and Commonwealth countries. Both terms refer to the same functional part of the fabric but are differentiated mainly by geographic usage.
In the textile industry, selvage is often mentioned when discussing the quality and finishing techniques of fabrics. This edge is integral in ensuring the durability and integrity of material, especially in items like denim and canvas. Whereas, selvedge, while referring to the same part of the fabric, might also be associated with premium or artisanal textiles, particularly in the denim industry where "selvedge denim" is prized for its high quality and traditional weaving techniques.
The spelling selvage is typically accompanied by other American English conventions in textile terminology. This preference affects everything from educational materials to marketing in the United States. Conversely, selvedge appears in British publications and influences how textiles are described and marketed in areas influenced by British English, showing how regional spelling can impact industry jargon.
Additionally, selvage edges are often highlighted as a feature in craft and sewing projects in the U.S., emphasizing practicality and durability. Meanwhile, in the UK, selvedge edges might be more frequently noted in discussions about the aesthetics and heritage of textile crafts, reflecting a slight cultural shift in focus despite the functional similarity.
Both selvage and selvedge illustrate how variations in English spelling can reflect deeper cultural and regional differences, even when the underlying technology and techniques are the same. This distinction in spelling does not affect the utility of the fabric edge but does influence terminology in education, commerce, and craft.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Selvage
Selvedge
Usage Region
United States
UK, Commonwealth Nations
Associated Terms
American English
British English
Industry Context
General textile industry
Often artisanal, premium
Cultural Focus
Practicality, durability
Aesthetics, heritage
Compare with Definitions
Selvage
An essential part of fabric construction, particularly in weaving.
Quality jeans have a sturdy selvage that lasts for years.
Selvedge
The British English term for the edge finish on fabric.
In the UK, textile classes teach about the importance of selvedge in crafting.
Selvage
A reinforced edge of fabric to prevent unraveling.
The curtain's selvage was neatly sewn to avoid any loose threads.
Selvedge
An indicator of traditional textile crafting techniques.
Selvedge denim is sought after for its traditional and authentic weaving patterns.
Selvage
A finishing feature on woven materials.
The rug featured a colorful selvage that added to its design.
Selvedge
A quality feature in premium textiles.
The selvedge on her vintage dress was beautifully preserved.
Selvage
A term used in American English to describe a specific fabric edge.
American sewing patterns often mention how to align patterns along the selvage.
Selvedge
The tightly woven edge of a cloth that does not fray.
He preferred jeans with a visible selvedge for a stylish look.
Selvage
The non-fraying edge of a fabric produced on a loom.
She inspected the selvage of the fabric to ensure it was intact.
Selvedge
Associated with artisanal and heritage textiles.
The selvedge was a testament to the weaver's skill in the handmade scarf.
Selvage
The edge plate of a lock that has a slot for a bolt.
Selvedge
The edge of a fabric, especially one that is woven or knit so that it will not fray, ravel, or curl.
Selvage
A selvage (US English) or selvedge (British English) is a "self-finished" edge of a piece of fabric which keeps it from unraveling and fraying. The term "self-finished" means that the edge does not require additional finishing work, such as hem or bias tape, to prevent fraying.
Selvedge
An ornamental fringe at either end of an Oriental rug.
Selvage
The edge of a fabric, especially one that is woven or knit so that it will not fray, ravel, or curl.
Selvedge
The edge plate of a lock that has a slot for a bolt.
Selvage
An ornamental fringe at either end of an Oriental rug.
Selvedge
Alternative spelling of selvage
Selvage
(weaving) The edge of a woven fabric, where the weft (side-to-side) threads run around the warp (top to bottom) threads, creating a finished edge.
Selvedge
Alternative spelling of selvage
Selvage
Any edge of fabric finished so as to prevent raveling.
Selvedge
Border consisting of an ornamental fringe at either end of an oriental carpet
Selvage
(printing) The excess area of any printed or perforated sheet, such as the border on a sheet of postage stamps or the wide margins of an engraving.
Selvedge
The edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not ravel or fray
Selvage
(geology) A distinct border of a mass of igneous rock. It is usually fine-grained or glassy due to rapid cooling.
Selvage
(geology) Clay-like material found along and around a geological fault.
Selvage
The edge plate of a lock, through which the bolt passes
Selvage
(mining) That part of a lode adjacent to the walls on either side.
Selvage
To give a selvage to (fabric).
Selvage
The edge of cloth which is woven in such a manner as to prevent raveling.
Selvage
The edge plate of a lock, through which the bolt passes.
Selvage
Border consisting of an ornamental fringe at either end of an oriental carpet
Selvage
The edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not ravel or fray
Common Curiosities
What is selvedge?
Selvedge is the British English spelling of selvage, meaning the non-fraying edge of woven fabric.
Is there a difference in the fabric quality between selvage and selvedge?
No, selvage and selvedge refer to the same part of the fabric and do not inherently indicate a quality difference.
How do you identify a selvage edge?
A selvage edge is denser and typically has a different texture compared to the rest of the fabric.
What is selvage?
Selvage refers to the finished edges of fabric on a loom that prevent the material from unraveling.
Can selvage edges be used decoratively?
Yes, selvage edges can be left visible in design projects for a unique or rustic look.
Is selvage only relevant in the context of textiles?
While primarily a textile term, selvage can occasionally be used metaphorically in other contexts.
How do American and British manufacturers differ in their use of the terms selvage and selvedge?
American manufacturers use "selvage," while British manufacturers prefer "selvedge," though both refer to the same fabric edge.
Are selvage and selvedge spelled differently in different countries?
Yes, the spelling differs based on American and British English preferences.
Can selvedge be a factor in fabric pricing?
Yes, fabrics like selvedge denim are often more expensive due to their quality and the traditional methods used in production.
Why is selvedge preferred in premium denim?
Selvedge denim is often associated with high quality and traditional weaving techniques, making it a premium choice.
What types of fabrics have selvage edges?
Most woven fabrics, including denim, canvas, and upholstery materials, have selvage edges.
What is the historical significance of selvedge?
Selvedge denotes traditional weaving practices and is often associated with historical textile production.
Do sewing patterns mention selvage?
Yes, sewing patterns often instruct how to align fabric pieces with the selvage to ensure proper grain alignment.
How can consumers care for selvage or selvedge edges to prolong their lifespan?
Proper washing and handling can maintain the integrity of selvage and selvedge edges, preventing fraying and wear.
Why might a designer choose to expose the selvage edge in a product?
Exposing the selvage edge can add a design element that showcases the authenticity and quality of the fabric.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
