I've made five blue jeans quilts, using 6.5" and 8" respectively, but I didn't make the fraying style; my seams are half inch and are all inside. I pressed open the seams and then top stitched the entire top with 1/4" top stitching. Turned out great. No need to tie it when you do this. I used back pockets and waistband pieces in the blocks here and there (just a few).