Maker Magazine Review Issue 2: Selvedge

There’s a wide variety of maker magazines out there, and unfortunately, subscribing to all of them just isn’t possible on most crafters’ budgets. In this series, I review one issue of a maker and/or artist focused magazine so you can decide if you’d like to purchase it for yourself. Note: These reviews will not focus on rating how “good” a given magazine is, rather they will offer an overview of the content of the magazine and suggest who is most likely to enjoy it.

Read other entries in this series here.

In this edition: Selvedge Magazine

Overview:

Founded in 2004 by Polly Leonard, Selvedge is a UK based magazine with a focus on fiber and textiles and their cultural context (both historical and current).  Ms. Leonard still serves as Editor of the magazine along with a small editorial and production team and contributions from freelance writers, photographers, and illustrators.

Selvedge publishes six issues a year. Issues run roughly 96 pages with limited, craft industry focused ads. For this post I’m reviewing Issue 121 (November 2024).

What craft(s) are represented?

Any textile or fiber craft can be found in this magazine. Because there is an emphasis on the fashion industry and its production methods, garment sewing, knitting, and embroidery are most prominent, although the issue I read also included artists creating dolls, piñatas, and site specific crochet installations. 

Do you buy this magazine for the pictures or the articles? 

Although the articles have lovely pictures, this is a magazine you buy to read. Each article explores one facet of textile and fiber arts and/or production; this could be a review of a current art exhibit, a profile of a fashion designer or company, an exploration of a technique with cultural and/or historical significance (my issue featured both an article on Estonian folk dress production techniques and a jaw-dropping photo essay on Indian gota embroidery), or an essay on a current trend. 

There is a general theme for each issue, although it is loosely interpreted at times. The theme for the issue I reviewed was “Adorable,” and while there was a definite cottagecore aesthetic to some of the work featured (and some actual toys), in some articles it felt as if any intricate and handmade textile/fiber art was pulled into the theme whether we’d really describe it as “adorable” or not.

Selvedge does have a focus on sustainability and is aware of the fashion industry’s poor track record on this front – this issue also included articles on the complex arguments around sustainability when it comes to fur vs. faux fur in fashion, and companies repurposing the marigolds used in Indian cultural celebrations for creating hand-dyed textiles and garments.

The tone of the articles reminds me very much of a National Geographic – the articles note serious issues affecting the fashion industry in general and the specific topics in each article, but the focus is on exploration and the celebration of the unique cultural traditions and/or new production methods in the industry.

Can you make things from this magazine?

Selvedge does not include patterns or tutorials, and because it is more industry focused, much of the textile and fibre art it features would require extremely skilled artisans to produce. There was an advertising collaboration with Brooklyn Tweed in the specific issue I read that gave subscribers a code for a free knitting pattern, but overall this is not a magazine for DIY.

Can you learn new techniques or ideas from this magazine?

You can definitely learn about areas of the fashion industry and/or the cultural context of textiles and fiber arts you might not have been aware of previously, and you may also learn about events and exhibits to seek out, but direct technique instruction is not to be found here.

Does this magazine feature industry news and/or review new products and books?

The main focus of Selvedge is industry news, although in a much more journalistic sense. It may feature a museum exhibit or festival that is open to the public, or a book excerpt from a forthcoming title, but there’s no PR-release style, here’s-a-new-product to buy segments. The focus remains on how artists, companies, and designers are producing interesting and sustainable work within the industry rather than a rundown of current events and issues.

Does this magazine profile makers or discuss living a creative life?

Yes, in the sense that Selvedge profiles artists and fashion designers who are actively working in a creative industry. It does not, however, feature articles with advice on incorporating creativity or art practices into your own life.

Does this magazine have any unique features?

In addition to the print magazine, Selvedge does have an online marketplace featuring books and artisanal goods, and also runs a few festivals, workshops, and tours that can be explored through their website.

As part of their sustainability efforts, Selvedge is sent to subscribers in recyclable packaging that is printed on the inside with a textile/fiber arts inspired design; subscribers are encouraged to reuse the packaging for artwork, gift wrapping, or other purposes.

Who would most enjoy this magazine?

If you are interested in learning more about the international fashion industry, cultural traditions around fiber and textile arts in other parts of the world, and companies/designers pursuing more sustainable production methods, Selvedge is for you.

Where I can I find this magazine?

Although based in the UK, Selvedge does have a US distributor and is available at a number of craft shops and bookstores worldwide (a list is available on their website ). I purchased my copy from Red Hen Craft Books.

If you are a maker that’s curious about understanding the cultural context of fiber and textile arts and industry around the world, you will learn a lot from Selvedge. ‍

Is this the magazine for you? Have you read it previously? ‍

Also, if you have suggestions for magazines I should review, please leave them in the comments!

‍ ‍