Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
Don't take my word as gospel here (hopefully some real experts will chime in), but your enlarged photo looks to me like it does have a selvedge of some sort under that black stitching. I see what looks like a white thread there, which is sometimes done on looms as a guide thread at the selvedge. I posted a few months ago about a similar white thread on some RRS tartan I purchased, and this looks similar.

There are many different types of selvedges, and they will be a function of the type of loom used to weave the fabric. But they all serve the same purpose: to provide some sort of finished edge that won't unravel or require mechanical fixing (like serging, etc.). If it were me in your shoes, I would probably take a seam ripper or similar tool and start cutting some of the black over-stitching away for an inch or two in an inconspicuous place like the under-apron. Just do a long enough portion to be able to turn the hemmed portion and inspect the edge. It can always be stitched back if you're handy with a needle and thread. But if it does have a serviceable selvedge, proceed with taking it all off and pressing out the fold.
Thanks, Tobus. I will undoubtedly do as you suggest ... although I'll wait a bit to see if any others weigh in with words of caution or confirmation of your assumption.

Hope you're having a great day,
Kevin