Preventing 1/4" seams from Unravelling
#31
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
If your seams are ravelling then the 1/4" is not the issue. I have old wuilts that have 1/8" or less and they have been washed many times and never ravelled. So stop worrying about it. There are plenty of over seams and wuilting to hold it. If you toss a iece of fabric in the wash does it ravel 1/4". Probably not. S stop worrying.
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Lansing, MI
Posts: 1,038
I actually did have this happen on one of my first quilts and I think it's because I was using cheaper fabric which was probably looser woven (as a beginner). but since using quality fabric, never had this happen since.
#33
I have had "STORE" bought quilts ravel to death. But I have my grandmother-in-laws quilts that I wash constantly still in great shape. Hers were all done by hand sewen and quilted and no problem. Why is that? I guess it gets down to quality and care. I am new to quilting and just for safety's sake I am fray checking every seam. Of course the teachers are just shaking thier heads at me.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
If the cotton still unravels easily after washing and drying, then only use it in a quilt that will be closely quilted. Otherwise, it's generally a non-issue.
I've purchased fabric that easily ravelled before it was washed and dried. Washing and drying stabilized it nicely.
I've purchased fabric that easily ravelled before it was washed and dried. Washing and drying stabilized it nicely.
#35
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Spearfish, SD
Posts: 8
I just had this happen to me on my very first quilt! I used a jelly roll pattern and I think some of the strips were frayed to begin with and I didn't notice. Now I am stuck trying to figure out how to fix where they came undone
#36
I will only use a scant 1/4" when absolutely necessary, like where several seams meet together. Even then, if you use a standard 1/4" seam it can always be trimmed down to keep things neat. Standard 1/4" also lays better when pressing.
#37
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 16
Since I tie mine I have had trouble with the seams fraying. Does that make a difference? It is ones I have made for my granddaughter and daughter. They get used a lot and are washed a lot. Seems I'm always fixinf them. Does it make a difference if they are made of flannel?
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,430
Unless you are just using the top, unquilted, no batting, and no backing, I can't see how the seams would ravel. I have once in a great while, had a seam pull apart because it was a scant 1/4" or a loose weave fabric. When the seams are enclosed in the quilt sandwich, there is little chance of the seams raveling, IMO.
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: The Colony, TX
Posts: 3,364
It is important to have one's stitch balanced - I have noticed that a seam will pop if one of the threads is really tight and is just 'floating' on the surface.
I really hated to redo those seams - but when that thread pulled out soooo easily - - it was worth the effort.
I really hated to redo those seams - but when that thread pulled out soooo easily - - it was worth the effort.
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