Stopping Fabric Fray?
I’m doing a few projects of mine, which I’m trying to perfect, but one of the problems that I have is that the fabric likes to fray since there are many curves, so I was just wondering how you can stop that. I’m not using a sewing machine, and I don’t have one. The fabric I’m using is a simple fabric from the craft store. I’m not sure on what material, but it’s just thin. I believe its nylon/polyester
They’re not pants or shirts or anything… I have sorta intricate designs I have to make. Also, sometimes the fabric becomes strips that are about 1/4inch or less wide, so how do I stop fray on those? I’ve heard that I can just sew zigzag on the large parts.
Which ones don’t fray as much?
Suggested Reading:
Fast, Fun and Easy Fabric Boxes: Eight Great Designs -- Unlimited PossibilitiesLinda Johansen takes her popular fabric-bowl technique a step further with fabric boxes, and you will not believe how fast, fun, and easy they are to make!
Related Posts
Zigzagging is going to be impossible if you don’t have a sewing machine. You can use a product called Fray Check. However, it makes some fabrics bleed color. Next time use a fabric that is less apt to fray.
Loosely woven and blends fray more than 100% cotton.
Pinking shears would be the best thing to use.
In addition to Fray Check, there is Fray Block.
Fray Block dries softer than Fray Check.
Test either product to make sure neither causes discoloration.
If you’re working with poly and nylon, you can cut the fabric with a hot knife and it won’t fray.
http://www.cascadelayers.com/thot_tool.htm
For narrow strips, you can cut on the true bias and they won’t fray.
Otherwise you can use Fray Block (less stiff than Fray Check), fuse to interfacing, trim with pinking shears, hand-overcast, or bind the edges.
You can use Fray check; look in Wal Mart or any fabric store. You can also use non fraying fabrics like fleece or felt. Nylon frays like crazy. You can also try a very lightweight fusible interfacing. This will make your fabric a bit heavier weight, but will stop the fraying problem, especially with such thin strips of fabric.