Abstract: A method for monitoring the removal of a selvedge cut off from the edge of a textile fabric web, at the exit from a stretcher frame has means for removing, particularly vacuuming away, the cut-off selvedge and means for monitoring the removal. In order to prevent the possibility that the selvedge is drawn back into the machine counter to the vacuum direction, the selvedge is passed over an easily moved wheel, in such a manner that the wheel is necessarily entrained by the transported selvedge. The direction of rotation of the wheel is detected.