Just think that Prato, since the mid-1800s, has turned the recycling of fabrics into a real business. Thanks to a specific production chain, which goes from rag men to spinning, it made and still makes today regenerated yarns. By affiliating ourselves with this tradition, which expresses the DNA of our district, today we are launching a very interesting product: selvedges, a noble waste that is derived from fabrics. A perfect recycled material for hand weaving, knitting and crochet.

Before showing you how it was used by Hello Hydrangea, an important figure in American hand weaving, we’ll explain what a selvedge is.

The selvedge and upcycling

The selvedge serves to preserve the fabric from fraying at its extreme edges. Also, to ensure that, during the various phases of finishing, the piece of fabric holds its integrity and does not come apart. After fulfilling these tasks, the selvedge is then cut away. It is practically a part of the fabric processing that becomes waste, noble waste though.

There are also what are called ‘talking selvedges’. They are so called because there is the possibility, through an additional machinery by the loom, to write words on the selvedges. For example, you can write a trademark, some symbols, the name of the article, or anything that could be considered interesting or identifying regarding the product. Words are usually written in contrasting colours to make them stand out.

With the new focus on environmental sustainability and the advent of upcycling, some stylists are shifting toward the beauty and uniqueness of selvedges and are requesting them for their creations. Some designers, for example, have turned them into magnificent foulards.

Now that the selvedges are finally cleared for use, let your imagination run wild!

DHG selvedges and hand weaving

For Earth Day, and by no coincidence, we have decided to launch the sale of the legendary selvedges of Prato on our store. Collected with care in the wool mills of our beloved textile district. Wherever possible, we like to be active participants in this urgent, and exciting, environmental revolution.

And to show you one of the many uses of this recycled material, we asked Hello Hydrangea to get creative with some of our selvedges. From this creative session came a delectable wall hanging. It is truly original because the selvedges are a textile waste and cannot be replicated.

The selvedges are also perfect for knitting and crocheting. Have fun.