Explain the textile term selvage. - Junior Cycle Home Economics - Question 24 - 2017

The term selvage refers to the finished edge of a fabric that is woven in such a way that it prevents the fabric from fraying. This edge runs along the length of the fabric and is created through the parallel weaving of the yarn, known as warp threads.

Selvages are crucial in the manufacturing process as they provide stability to the fabric and ensure that the sides remain intact and do not unravel. The selvage is aligned parallel to the warp threads or the straight grain of the fabric, which further helps in maintaining the fabric's integrity during use or subsequent finishing processes.