Do you ever wonder why batik fabric looks so perfect and smooth? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone.
One standard answer to this question is that batik fabric has selvage, an edge binding or finishing technique used in weaving fabrics. But what exactly is selvage, and how does it work?
Does Batik Fabric Have Selvage?
Let’s take a closer look at selvage and its role in making batik fabric look so perfect.
What Is Selvage?
Selvage is an edge binding that prevents the fabric from fraying or unraveling. It also helps to keep the edges of the fabric aligned when woven, giving it a neat, professional-looking finish. This edge binding can be found on all materials, including cotton, linen, silk, and even synthetic fibers like polyester.
Selvage is usually made from two parallel threads woven together with extra threads for reinforcement. These two similar threads are woven in such a way that they form an unbroken line along the edge of the fabric, creating an invisible barrier that prevents fraying and unraveling.
The extra threads add strength to the edges of the material, allowing them to withstand more wear and tear over time without losing their shape or structure.
Does Batik Fabric Have Selvage?
The answer to this question is yes! Most batik fabrics have selvage, although there are some exceptions depending on how they were manufactured. The dyeing and printing process on fabrics can also affect whether or not they have selvage and other properties such as colorfastness or shrink resistance.
As long as you check with the manufacturer when buying your fabric, you should be able to tell if your batik fabric has selvage by looking at its edges.
How Can You Tell If Your Batik Fabric Has Selvage?
If you see two parallel lines running along each side of your fabric, it has selvage!
The lines should be relatively straightforward but may have slight variations due to how it was woven or dyed during production. You can also test out your fabric’s durability by pulling gently at one end; if it stays intact, it has good-quality selvage!
So does batik fabric have selvage? Yes! Most batik fabrics have selvages which give them their neat signature appearance while also adding strength and structure to their edges so they can withstand more wear and tear without fraying or unraveling over time.
With proper care and maintenance, your beautiful piece of batik will last for years!
