fabric is fraying badly
 

hi all I am trying to applique my blocks as i make them I am making the bunny hill Crystal Lane quilt. as you all know you have to handle fabric a lot when you applique but lordy my fabric is fraying so much some one please help me find a solution to use fabric is so high we can.t afford to lose one thread thanks

I don't do much applique but most use fusible on the back of applique fabrics. it helps with the fraying. most wash out.

I don't applique, but I think if you were able to put a thin, iron on interfacing on the back of the fabric before you cut it, you might have better luck. I'm sure you'll get lots of hints from other board members.

Have you tried fray check?

some form of interfacing is your best bet before you begin the applique process. however, since you have already begun, and if you want to continue with your current piece, I would try a bit of elmers washable school glue where the fray is beginning to separate from the main fabric (on the front and the back sides and allow it to dry on the surface of the fabric). My thought is that it may harden the fabric and hold the threads together as you work with it, but then will wash out with no problem in the end. Keep in mind I have never done this, so this is pure speculation!

WOW I never througt of interfacing yep I got the right thin interfacing will be putting it on thank you.

Try misty fuse as the fusible backing. Easy to use and works well for applique.

I am a fan of Wonder Under double sided fusible for my applique projects. Fray check could turn hard so it would be a last resort for me and I would use it very sparingly. Many people prefer batiks for their applique projects because it is very tightly woven and does not fray easily.

Fray check always dried hard when I used it. Won't wash out.

starch is another good option if you can't get fusible quickly.