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Fraying fabric
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Thu, 05/01/2008 - 16:41
Hello 'anybody': Does that liquid"ey" stuff sold at the fabric store to avoid fraying really work? If not, is there something you can recommend? TXS!!
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 23:46
#2
I agree!
Fray check is the best stuff ive found yet. but to get around the whole "ichy skin" theory...use pinking shears after using the fray check. it softens the fabric gently without destroying the effect the "check" is supposed to have. Or you can skip that completely and just do a french seam. works on all types of fabric even the bulky ones. The trick to bulky fabrics is to "grade the seam" to take out the bulk, so the seam lays flatter and nicer.
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 10:33
#3
Fray Check, Fray Guard
I've used Fray Check and found that it leaves the fabric stiff and does show on some fabrics (test on scrap first). Fray Guard (different product) leaves the fabric pliable. Sometimes I use fabric glue on a small, non-conspicuous job.
Mon, 09/26/2011 - 16:03
#4
"Grade the Seam"
"...do a french seam. works on all types of fabric even the bulky ones. The trick to bulky fabrics is to "grade the seam" to take out the bulk, so the seam lays flatter and nicer."
How do you do the grading described in the above comment?
Fri, 09/30/2011 - 10:56
#5
Re: Grading Seam Allowances
Dear BOOHBEE,
Grading seam allowances is when we trim one of the seam allowances to make it narrower than the other one. We do this when the seam allowance is not pressed open. This way we reduce the bulk at the seams.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Thu, 01/08/2009 - 20:11
#6
Fray Check
I have used this (sparingly!!) and it does a good job, especially on a "heavy fraying" material like lining...please note that it does leave a slight residue, but works in a pinch.
Tue, 05/13/2008 - 15:31
#7
What you can do about fraying fabric
Hi,
What I prefer to do is use a sewing machine to sew zig-zag stitches along the raw edge of the fabric or with a little distance of the raw edge and trim it afterward or use a serger.
You could try the liquid product on a scrap piece of fabric to see how well it works - this way you won't damage your project.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Nehzat
Sat, 12/27/2008 - 06:00
#8
Using Serger
Do you ever use a serger to do the raw edges rather than zigzag or do you find the zig zag is neater?
Wed, 12/31/2008 - 17:02
#9
RE: Using Serger
Dear Sewing_buff,
Since we have not covered the serger in our instructional videos yet, I have not used it in any of the video lessons we have released to date.
However, most people do not have sergers, therfore using the zigzag stitch is a good alternative.
Personaly I prefer the zigzag method for finishing raw edges, because serge stitches are not as sturdy as zigzag stitches.
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 21:54
#10
Serger vs Zig Zag stitches
I don't own a serger, so I have to take my garments in progress to the shop a couple of times to get it serged.
When I saw your videos and you were using solely zigzag stitches, I got excited. As I surely can do zigzag stitches on my regular home sewing machine.
Also I've read that for couture sewing serging is not done so does that mean zigzag stitches is okay? And is it durable enough for the garment to be machine washed?
Barbara
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:11
#11
Re: Serger vs Zigzag Stitches
Dear Barbara,
Yes zigzag stitches work very well when finishing raw edges. They are also strong enough to withstand washing by hand or machine.
If the fabric you are using is loosely woven or the yarns used to weave it are thick, you need to sew the zigzag stitches on a wider setting.
Also make sure to reduce the thread tension a bit compared to straight stitches for the same fabric.
Hope this helps.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Mon, 11/05/2012 - 13:01
#12
Fraying
I made a belly dance coverup from a beautiful sari fabric which was very soft and silky, but would fray if you looked at it sideways. Before cutting I bonded fusible interfacing to the areas to be cut. I may eventually zig-zag stitch the edge in some areas, but this was a time saver and also added a little body to the fabric.
Tue, 11/06/2012 - 18:55
#13
Fusible Interfacing
Hi dancinggirl2 - did the interfacing show through the material in the finished product?
Fri, 11/09/2012 - 15:24
#14
Fraying
No, it did not show at all on this fabric. It may show on a sheer fabric, though.
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 11:58
#15
tame raw edges
dritz has a great product. Seams Great. It is lightweight, washable and easy to use. Simply pull gently and it curls over edges then you can straight stitch or zig zag.
Quick Links:
I have used several bottles of fray check for many different things! I have found that if you use it on an "inside" seam, it does irritate some....my son thought it was very annoying...it scratched his skin. I found out it is better NOT to use it, if the fabric may be touching your skin.
I have used the "zigzag" stitch many times before I owned a serger. A serger is just so much better (when you can get it threaded) because it trims the edges off as it sews. Good luck!