You will need to use short thread lengths. When you use it on a machine, it only goes thru the fabric once or twice before it is actually used in a stitch. When hand sewing, it will go through the fabric many more times giving it an opportunity to fray. Using shorter lengths will minimize this. I would make sure that you are using an embroidery thread from the hand embroidery area not from the machine sewing/embroidery department. A larger needle eye will also help.