Weefselflap

Weefselflap is a weaving technique used in textile crafts to create a continuous edge by overlapping the weft with itself, forming a self-lapping seam that eliminates visible hems. The method yields a smooth surface and can increase durability in fabrics intended to be finished without traditional edge treatments.

Etymology: The term combines weef, a variant of weave found in some Dutch and Afrikaans loanwords, with self and lap, indicating self-overlapping weft crossings along the fabric edge.

History: The technique appears in late 20th-century experimental weaving circles and has been documented in European craft workshops and zines. It has since been adopted by artists and educators exploring seamless textures and alternative edge finishes in both hand- and loom-weaving contexts.

Technique: On a loom, the weaver advances the weft so that the latest weft wrap overlaps the preceding weft segments, creating a continuous, layered edge along the fabric width. Proper tension is essential to avoid bulk or puckering. Finishing typically involves securing the final weft with a small knot or tail tuck rather than cutting and hemming, though variations exist for different fiber types.

Applications: Weefselflap is used in scarves, wraps, and lightweight blankets where a clean, uninterrupted edge is desirable. It can reduce waste by avoiding separate hemming or seam allowances and is valued for its textile aesthetics and structural integrity.

Variations: Micro-weefselflap uses finer threads for delicate textures; reverse-weefselflap emphasizes the edge on the fabric face; laminated or color-contrasted versions highlight the edge definition.

See also: selvedge weaving, weft intertwining, edge finishing.