weeflap

Weeflap is a term found in Dutch textile discourse describing a small folded strip of fabric added to the edge of a woven piece, serving as a finish, reinforcement, or decorative detail. The edge treatment can help prevent fraying, enhance durability, or provide a visible design element on garments, bags, carpets, or upholstery.

Etymology-wise, the word combines weef, meaning to weave, with flap, reflecting its function as a fabric flap applied to a weave. The construction and appearance of a weeflap can vary: it may be a simple double-fold edge finished like a hem, or a separate strip attached along the edge to provide extra strength or a contrasting accent.

In traditional and contemporary practice, a weeflap can appear along the outer edge of a article of clothing, the border of a bag, or the margin of a woven textile item. It may be used primarily for protection against wear at the edge, or primarily for decorative effect, or for both purposes. The exact method of attaching the flap and the choice of fabric materials depend on the project and regional textile conventions.

The term is primarily documented in Dutch-language sources and is not widely used in English-language textile literature. When translated, it is often described as an edge flap or edge finish of a woven fabric.

Related concepts include hem, selvage, edging, piping, and general fabric finishing.