What are nap and selvage?

Selvage refers to the lengthwise finished edges on a piece of fabric. These edges are
usually a little stiffer and firmer than the crosswise, or cut edge of the fabric, and will not
ravel. When you look at your pattern cutting instructions, it will show you where the selvage is when cutting. Be sure to line your selvages up evenly to avoid cutting off grain. In addition, you can measure from the distance of your selvage to your grain line to make sure you have the piece position properly.

If you buy a piece of fabric that is 45" wide by 2 yards long, the selvage edges are along
the 2 yards, and the cross wise edge is along the 45" side of the fabric.

Fabrics "with nap" will reflect light differently, or have a one way pattern or design. If your
fabric has nap, it is very important that you follow the "With Nap" layout on your
instruction sheet. Fabrics with nap include the following:

1. Pile fabrics - like velvet, velveteen, velour, and corduroy.
2. Fuzzy surface fabrics, such as brushed flannel, fake fur, plush felt.
3. Shiny fabrics, such as satin, damask, and some knits.
4. Plaids and stripes with an uneven repeated pattern.
5. Printed or woven motifs with a "this end up" look, or one way design.

Be sure to always check your pattern to find out how much yardage is needed if you have a nap to your fabric, because you may need a little more length to get your pieces to comfortably fit going the same direction.

**Parts of blog excerpted from Simplicity's "FAQ" page.