I was checking out some sewing techniques on the web yesterday and I accidentally came across some projects that were made out of selvages! Wait, surely not …. could they be those dreaded edges of fabric that we were told NEVER to use? How many have I thrown out over the years? OMG – a new world opened up as I saw what other people have been making out of these little strips; pot holders, bags, dresses even. Why didn’t I think of that …. obviously it’s the imagination thing again!
Anyway, I immediately went through my stash and here is the result .. ta dah .. my first selvage pot holder . Pretty darn cute don’t you think?
Sewing was delayed while Mischa had a cat nap
The front of the pot holder
and the back
If you like it and want to make one of your own, here are a few tips:
* Sew strips on to any cotton fabric. Good opportunity to use those “uglies” as they won’t be seen when you stitch the layers together
* When you choose the size for your pot holder, allow an extra 1/2 to 1 inch and trim to size after quilting
* Use cotton thread and batting
* You can round off the corners if you don’t want to mitre them when applying the binding
* For safety’s sake, use insulated lining and cotton batting. I used two pieces of batting and sandwiched the insulated lining in between
I’m already thinking of other things to make now that I have discovered my hidden treasure trove. I will just have to remind myself not to cut off really narrow selvages from now on.
Quilts, Cats and Me 
Beautiful sewing and lovely finishing of potholder , I am enjoying selvedges in
wheat pack covers easily washed and replaced.
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Thanks Susanne – are you intending to use them in a project?
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Love the potholders, but go on..you can tell me, did Mischa help you? She looks expert at sewing 😉
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Thanks – hoping to make a few more pot holders when I have time. You are correct, Mischa is a great little “helper”!
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Hi, I’ve also seen this done to great effect to make a whole scarf… a very sewing themed scarf!
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That sounds fun – I am keen to make more pot holders and a bag if I can get enough strips
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Gosh, they look awesome Jill. Think I might stick with my crumbs though.
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Hey Barbara, thanks for stopping by and your kind comment. I hope to start on a crumb quilt soon. Watch this space!
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It’s a great idea to use something that would otherwise be thrown away. I’m all for recycling and reusing. Beutiful and very neat.
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Thanks so much for your nice comment. I agree, it’s great to find an unexpected use for something we already have.
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