You can use leaders to start your piecing and that prevents fabric being sucked into the throat plate. fraying depends on the fabric some fray more than others, you just might need higher quality fabric. cheaper fabric frays more.

Always hold your thread when you start if you don't use the 'leader fabrics'. And don't cut each section apart until you get them all sewn together.

This adds to the cost but is fool proof. Attach wash-away stabilizer to the back of your fabric that you are sewing. Let it extend beyond the fabric so that you start sewing it first then the fabric that you are joining together. The stabilizer only needs to be under the part that you are sewing and the part that is fraying - probably not more than 2 inches width of stabilizer no matter how wide your fabric pieces are. After your fabric is stitched, spray the stabilizer. It will dissolve away. It will have solved the problem of the fabric being eaten by the feed dogs and the fabric edges fraying, then it will dissolve away- all for a few pennies and a few minutes of preparation.

Did you pre-wash your fabric? I find that tends to reduce fraying because it shrinks the fabric and tightens the weave thus lessening the fraying. DON'T pre-wash your cut pieces! That's asking for trouble. You could cut your subsequent pieces a tad larger and use a 'true' 1/4 in. seam instead of a 'scant' 1/4 in. and that will give you a bit more 'wiggle room' with fraying. If you have a zig-zag hole plate on your machine, you might want to invest in a single hole plate to reduce the chance of fabric being eaten as well.

I also had problems with this when I first started quilting. At a beginners quilting class they suggested (as mentioned) purchasing a different throat plate with a small hole in it for straight stitching. I followed their advice and have had hardly any problems since. Although the purchase wasn't exactly cheap.

Little tip, ALWAYS start your first piece with the needle down, and then try to chain piece if the pattern pieces lend themsleves to it. It will be more gentle overall on the fabrics, as noted by others make sure the fabric is cut on the straight grain. I always prewash, then iron with spray strarch, and have never had problems.:)

momto5 is correct. I can't tell you how many times I have bought charm packs and they are not a true 5 inches. Welcome to the world of quilting. You will go through many frustrations but will love the end result!!

I know a woman who calls it reverse sewing.

Never heard of starting with your needle down. I'll try that as I have a couple of students that always has first stitch problems unless the use a leader, which they forget. :rolleyes:

Good luck with your quilt! Everyone has given you such great advice! I plan to copy all of this wonderful information into my quilting tips! Best of luck and have fun!