selvaged

A tailor carefully trims the selvaged edge of a piece of fabric.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a finished edge: "selvaged" describes a fabric or textile that has a specially finished edge (the selvage) that prevents fraying or unravelling. This edge is typically woven more tightly or finished differently than the rest of the fabric.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The selvaged denim is prized for its durability and clean finish. (Denim with a finished edge, often used in high-quality jeans.)
  • She bought a piece of selvaged silk for her sewing project. (Silk fabric with a woven edge that prevents fraying.)

Advanced Usage

• "selvaged edge": the specific finished border of a fabric.

  • The tailor carefully cut along the selvaged edge to maintain the fabric's integrity. (The finished border was used as a guide for cutting.)

• "selvaged goods": textiles or products made from fabric with a selvage.

  • The store specializes in selvaged goods from traditional looms. (Products made from fabric with finished edges.)

Variants and Related Words

• Selvage (n): the edge of a fabric that is finished to prevent unravelling.

  • The selvage is often woven with a different colour or pattern. (The finished edge of the cloth.)

• Selvedge (n): an alternative spelling of "selvage," used especially in British English.

  • The selvedge of this tweed is particularly strong. (The finished edge of the wool fabric.)

Synonyms

• Finished: having a completed edge.
• Bordered: provided with an edge or margin.
• Edged: having a distinct boundary or edge.

Related Idioms

• "on the selvage": referring to the edge of a fabric, often used in tailoring.
  • The pattern must be cut on the selvage to ensure it aligns correctly. (Cut along the finished edge.)

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "selvaged," but related to fabric:
  • Cut along: to cut following a line or edge.

    • Cut along the selvaged edge for a straight line. (Follow the finished border.)